Princess Yasuko Of Arisugawa

Princess Taka Hito no Mi Yasuko (born March 15, 1864 (Bunkyū 4, February 8, old lunar calendar) – June 30, 1923, Taishō 12), was a member of the Japanese imperial family and the wife of Prince Arisugawa no Miya Taka Hito. She was the daughter of Marquis Maeda Yoshinaga, the last feudal lord of Kaga Domain, and her mother was Hisahime Hisasuke. She became the last imperial family member of the Arisugawa-no-Miya line.

Early Life

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She was born on March 15, 1864 (old lunar calendar: Bunkyū 4, February 8) within Kanazawa Castle, as the fourth daughter of Marquis Maeda Yoshinaga. In her childhood, she displayed lively and spirited behavior comparable to that of boys, but she received aristocratic education, studying Chinese classics under Naguchi Nokochi, calligraphy with Egama Banri, and painting with Matsuoka Kansa. As she grew older, she cultivated elegance and humility but also possessed a strong temperament and made remarkable advances in learning.

Circumstances Before Marriage

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In October 1876 (Meiji 9), she was chosen as a candidate to become the wife of Prince Taka Hito by the Arisugawa-no-Miya family, who also consented to this proposal on November 8. However, following the Imperial Household Ministry’s instructions, the marriage was postponed until the succession issue of the Arisugawa-no-Miya house was resolved.

Marriage and Overseas Travel

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On May 18, 1878 (Meiji 11), Prince Taka Hito was officially recognized as the successor to the Arisugawa-no-Miya family with Imperial Emperor Meiji’s imperial permission. On November 30 of the same year, a petition for the marriage between Prince Taka Hito and Princess Yasuko was submitted, and imperial approval was granted on December 3. After the prince went abroad for study, their formal betrothal ceremony (Nōsai) was held on November 28, 1880, and the wedding took place on December 11.

After their marriage, Princess Yasuko learned the Arisugawa-style calligraphy from her brother-in-law Prince Shigeno, mastering it under the guidance of her teachers. She also studied waka poetry from Takasaki Masakaze and learned English and French conversation, becoming fluent.

Children

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On October 17, 1885 (Meiji 18), she gave birth to her first daughter, whom she named Masako Joe. On October 19 of the same month, Prince Taka Hito departed for a pilgrimage to the Tohoku region but returned due to Princess Yasuko’s illness. Tragically, on September 30, 1886 (Meiji 19), Masako Joe died suddenly from encephalitis.

The following year, on September 22, 1887 (Meiji 20), she gave birth to her first son, whom she named Sashihito-o. In the summer of 1888 (Meiji 21), she stayed in Ikaho with her mother-in-law and sister-in-law, continuing to engage with her relatives.

Visit to Europe

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On February 11, 1889 (Meiji 22), waiting for the enactment of the new Constitution of the Empire of Japan, Prince Taka Hito and Princess Yasuko set out on February 16. Traveling via the United States to Europe, they stayed in Italy, where Queen Margaretta facilitated inspection visits, and Princess Yasuko’s intelligence and poise were praised by the media. On their return journey, they traveled through Hong Kong and Shanghai, arriving at Kobe port on April 5, 1890 (Meiji 23). During their stay in Europe, they reunited with Prince Shigeno, met with imperial and imperial court officials, and reported on their travels.

Sources

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This information is based on historical records.