Prince Takamado

Prince Takamado. He was a member of the Imperial House of Japan, a grandson of Emperor Taishō, and a first cousin of Emperor Akihito. Known for his international outlook and extensive charitable work, he served as a cultural diplomat and held honorary presidencies for numerous organizations, including the Japan Football Association and the World Wide Fund for Nature in Japan. His sudden death in 2002 was widely mourned across Japan and within the global communities he actively supported.

Early life and education

Born Prince Norihito of Mikasa on 29 December 1954 at the Tokyo Imperial Palace, he was the third son of Prince Mikasa and Yuriko Takagi. His early education took place at Gakushūin Primary School and Gakushūin Junior High School, institutions traditionally attended by the Japanese imperial family. For his higher education, he entered the Faculty of Law at Gakushūin University, graduating in 1978. Demonstrating a strong commitment to international studies, he then attended Queens University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, where he studied English and graduated with a degree in 1981. This period abroad profoundly shaped his cosmopolitan perspective and fluency in English.

Marriage and family

On 17 December 1984, he married Hisako Tottori, the daughter of a prominent executive from the Mitsubishi Group, at the Meiji Shrine. Upon marriage, he was granted the title Prince Takamado and established his own branch of the imperial family. The couple had three daughters: Princess Tsuguko of Takamado (born 1986), Noriko Senge (born 1988, who married Kunimaro Senge), and Ayako Moriya (born 1990, who married Kei Moriya). His marriage to a commoner and his role as a father to three daughters brought a relatable, modern image to the traditionally reserved Imperial Household Agency.

Public duties and activities

Prince Takamado undertook a vast array of official duties, both within Japan and overseas, often acting as a roving ambassador. He served as the honorary president of the Japan Football Association, the Japan-Canada Society, and the Japan Rugby Football Union, among many others. His diplomatic missions were extensive, including representing Japan at events like the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano and the funerals of foreign dignitaries. He was a particularly active supporter of the World Wide Fund for Nature in Japan and the Japanese Red Cross Society, frequently attending related ceremonies and international conferences to promote environmental and humanitarian causes.

Sports and cultural interests

A passionate sports enthusiast, his patronage significantly boosted the profile of various sports in Japan. His leadership of the Japan Football Association coincided with the nation's co-hosting of the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He was also an avid fan of rugby union, supporting the Japan national rugby union team, and enjoyed skiing and badminton. Culturally, he was a skilled player of the tsuzumi drum and had a deep appreciation for Ainu culture, actively participating in events to preserve indigenous traditions. His interests extended to orchestral music and theatre, regularly attending performances at venues like the New National Theatre, Tokyo.

Death and legacy

On 21 November 2002, Prince Takamado collapsed while playing a game of squash at the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo and was pronounced dead at Keio University Hospital from ventricular fibrillation. His sudden passing at the age of 47 sent shockwaves through the nation, leading to an outpouring of grief from the public and organizations like the Fédération Internationale de Football Association. A state funeral, known as the *Taisō no Gi*, was held at the Toshimagaoka Imperial Cemetery, attended by dignitaries including Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. His legacy is perpetuated through the Prince Takamado Trophy, awarded in national high school football, and the Princess Takamado Cup for curling. His widow, Princess Hisako of Takamado, continues to uphold his charitable commitments, representing the family at events worldwide.

Category:Japanese princes Category:Imperial House of Japan Category:1954 births Category:2002 deaths