Princess Mieko Of Arisugawa

Mieko Tokugawa (born February 14, 1891 – April 25, 1933) was a member of the Japanese imperial family and nobility. Her former name was Jitsueko Joō, and it is sometimes written in a simplified form as Jitsueko.

Life

Birth and Family Relations

She was born at 2:30 a.m. on February 14, 1891 (Meiji 24), as the second daughter of Prince Koreyasu Ari, who was the head of the Arisugawa family, and his consort, Princess Yasuko. The exact birthplace is not detailed, but she was raised as a member of the imperial family. In terms of kinship, her father, Prince Koreyasu Ari, was the head of the Arisugawa-no-miya family, and her mother, Princess Yasuko, was the daughter of Princess Yoshiko.

Engagement and Marriage

On May 13, 1904 (Meiji 37), her engagement was announced to be arranged with the eldest son of Duke Yoshikuni Tokugawa, Prince Yoshihisa. This was supported by Prince Sadanaru Arisugawa and approved by Duke Yoshikuni. Princess Yoshiko, his mother, was the daughter of Prince Kuni Tani, and since Prince Koreyasu Ari was a great-grandchild of Prince Kuni Tani, the two families were distantly related.

Education

She left Gakushuin School early and received her education at the imperial residence. She was dedicated to learning waka poetry and studied under Takasaki Masakaze. Regarding calligraphy, her mother Princess Yasuko taught her the Arisugawa style, and she practiced calligraphy 3 to 4 hours a week.

Marriage and Wedding Trip

Her formal engagement was approved by imperial decree on October 13, 1908 (Meiji 41), and the betrothal ceremony was held on October 27. She married Prince Yoshihisa Tokugawa on November 8. Before her marriage, her older brother, Prince Sai, died prematurely, making her the direct heir of the Arisugawa family.

Their honeymoon included attending the special funeral ceremony at Nōsōzan Tōshō-gū and then traveling to Shuzenji. According to Yuichiro Sugimura, a friend of Prince Yoshihisa, he regarded her appearance favorably.

Children and Family

With Prince Yoshihisa, she had four children: Princess Keiko (who died young), Princess Kikuko, Prince Yoshimitsu, and Princess Kumiko. Notably, Kikuko later married Prince Norihito of Takamatsu.

Father’s Death and Inheritance

On July 5, 1913 (Taisho 2), her father, Prince Koreyasu Ari, passed away. Kikuko married Prince Norihito of Takamatsu afterward, which led to changes in the family succession according to imperial marriage customs.

Relationships and Social Circles

She was well-acquainted with Empress Teimei, and they often visited the Imperial Palace for social interactions.

Death of Husband and Later Years

In 1922 (Taisho 11), her husband Prince Yoshihisa died suddenly. On February 4, 1930 (Showa 5), her second daughter Kikuko married Prince Norihito of Takamatsu.

Death and Testament

She died on April 25, 1933 (Showa 8) due to colon cancer at a clinic in Tokyo. Shortly before her death, she left a will addressed to Princess Kikuko, expressing her gratitude to the doctors and nurses.

Social Activities and Legacy

After her death, her daughter Kikuko established the Takamatsu Imperial Princess Cancer Research Fund. Since Prince Norihito and Kikuko had no children, the Arisugawa-no-miya family’s rituals eventually ceased, but the Arisugawa-style calligraphy tradition has continued.

References

The account is based on works such as Akito Nakamura’s "Reputable Ladies and Calligraphy" (Hōbunkan, December 1909) and the compilation "The Life of Prince Koreyasu" (1926).