Shizuko, Princess Hisa

Princess Shizuko Naishinnō (February 10, 1886 – April 4, 1887) was a member of the Japanese imperial family. She was the fifth daughter of Emperor Meiji, and her mother was Lady Son Yōko. She was born as a princess of the Imperial House of Japan, the half-sister of Taishō Emperor, the aunt of Shōwa Emperor, the great-aunt of Emperor Emeritus, and the great-great-aunt of the current Emperor (Heisei Emperor).

Life

She was born on February 10, 1886 (Meiji 19) at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, as the fifth daughter of Emperor Meiji and Lady Son Yōko (the eighth child). According to records from around 1900, Princess Shizuko was blessed with good health and likely participated in various imperial ceremonies and events alongside other members of the Imperial Family.

However, early on in 1887 (Meiji 20), it was recorded that she suffered from chronic meningitis. Although she showed signs of temporary recovery starting in January, her condition relapsed around March, and she gradually weakened. She ultimately died at 10:20 PM on April 4 of the same year, at less than one year and two months old.

After her death

Following Princess Shizuko’s death, memorial ceremonies and grave festivals, known as Gou-shū Go Shū Gekienshō and Go Bo-sai, were held in 1892 (Meiji 25). Similarly, in 1897 (Meiji 30), the ten-year memorial festival and grave festival were conducted, and in 1907 (Meiji 40), the twenty-year memorial festival and gravesite rites were performed. These events were treated as celebrations and memorial rituals for members of the Imperial Family.

Notes

This information is based on historical records, extracted from imperial family documentation and related materials.