Nijō Hisako

Princess Tokiko Nijō (1826–1916) was a member of the imperial family and the kuge (noble class) during the late Edo period, and later became part of the kazoku (nobility) from the Meiji to Taisho eras. She was the primary wife of Nijō Sadaoki and was formerly known as Princess Tsune-ko.

Life

Born in 1826 (Bunsei 9), she was the eldest daughter of Prince Fushimi Kōji. Her mother was Lady Ueno Hisano. Soon after her birth, she was adopted by her father’s formal wife, Lady Takatsuki Teruko, but due to considerations from her grandmother’s father, the Regent Takatsuki Masaki, she was also entrusted to him. Her childhood name was Okayami.

During her early years, she was raised by her grandfather, Prince Fushimi Sadakao, and her grandmother, Princess Nijō Teruko. In 1831 (Tenpō 2), she married Prince Nijō Sadaoki. Initially, they had a kinship marriage.

Elevations in status and titles

By 1830 (Bunsei 13), she was raised under her grandfather’s guardianship. She was promoted to Junior Fourth Rank Lower (juu shi-i ge) in 1859 (Ansei 6). Later, in 1862 (Bunkyō 2), she was elevated to Junior Third Rank, and in 1864 (Bunkyū 4), she attained Junior Second Rank.

Political roles and titles

In 1867 (Keiō 3), her husband, Nijō Sadaoki, resigned as Sadaijin (Minister of the Left) and was appointed as Sesshō (regent). This further enhanced her standing as a noble.

Later years and family

She passed away in 1916 (Taishō 5) at the age of 91. Her posthumous name was Seikan’in. It is said that she cherished her children, including her sons Nijō Masamaro, Keiko-in Toshitaka, and the Tōsai family’s Ryuhei, whom she had with her secondary consorts.

Family

Her grandfather was Prince Fushimi Sadakao, and her grandmother was Princess Nijō Teruko. Her father was Prince Fushimi Kōji, and her mother was Lady Ueno Hisano. Her adoptive mother was Lady Takatsuki Teruko. Her husband was Prince Nijō Sadaoki.

Sources

Based on materials such as "Kezoku Kakei Taisei" and "Gendai Kazoku Fuoyō" (Comprehensive Genealogy of Noble Lineages and Contemporary Noble Families).