Kaya Kuninori

Prince Kaya Kuninori (賀陽宮邦憲王, Kaya-no-miya Kuninori Shinnō) was born on September 1, 1867, in Kyoto, Japan. He was a member of the Japanese imperial family and founded one of the nine ōke (princely houses) during the Meiji period. He passed away on December 8, 1909.

Family Background:

Kuninori was the second son of Prince Kuni Asahiko (1824–1891), who was affiliated with the Fushimi-no-miya, a collateral branch of the imperial family. His father had been a Buddhist priest before becoming an advisor to Emperor Kōmei and Emperor Meiji. Kuninori's mother was Izumitei Shizue, a court lady.

Early Life:

Initially known as Iwa-no-miya, he was referred to as Iwaomaro-ō starting March 15, 1874. He changed his personal name to Kuninori on July 21, 1886. Unlike some of his younger half-brothers, including Prince Nashimoto Morimasa, Prince Higashikuni Naruhiko, and Prince Asaka Yasuhiko, Kuninori did not pursue a military career. On March 7, 1887, he was excluded from succeeding to the house of Kuni-no-miya due to ill health.

Establishment of a Collateral Branch:

Emperor Meiji granted him the title Kaya-no-miya and the rank of shinnō (imperial prince) on December 17, 1892. Later, on May 4, 1900, the emperor officially authorized him to establish a new collateral branch of the imperial family. Kuninori succeeded his father as the supreme priest (saishu) of the Grand Shrine of Ise, a position he held until his death.

Marriage and Family:

On November 26, 1892, Prince Kaya Kuninori married Daigo Yoshiko (December 7, 1865 – November 21, 1941), daughter of Marquis Daigo Tadayori, the last kuge (court noble) of that line. They had four children:

- Princess Yukiko (November 23, 1895 – 1946): She married Viscount Machijiri Prince Tsunenori (January 7, 1900 – January 3, 1978). She also married Kujō Toshiko, who was the fifth daughter of Prince Kujō Michizane and niece of Empress Teimei, the consort of Emperor Taishō.

- Princess Sakiko (March 30, 1903 – September 1, 1923): She married her second cousin, Prince Yamashina Takehiko. The couple resided in Yuigahama, Kamakura, Kanagawa prefecture. During the Great Kantō earthquake, their house collapsed, resulting in her death and the death of her unborn child.

Positions and Titles:

Prince Kaya Kuninori served as the supreme priest of the Grand Shrine of Ise. His role was significant in Shinto religious practices and institutions related to the shrine.

References:

- Fujitani, T. "Splendid Monarchy: Power and Pageantry in Modern Japan." University of California Press, 1998.

- Lebra, Sugiyama Takie. "Above the Clouds: Status Culture of the Modern Japanese Nobility." University of California Press, 1995.