Kinteru Sanjō

Kintarō Sanjō (Sanjo Kintarō, born December 2, 1882 – November 10, 1945) was a Japanese noble and member of the House of Peers, holding the title of Duke. It is recorded that he graduated from the Law Department of Tokyo Imperial University, Political Science Major.

Regarding his birth and family background, he was the third son of Sanjō Mikiomi. His mother was the ninth daughter of Takatsukasa Fusahiro, Jiko. In 1892 (Meiji 25), the Sanjō family was branched off, and he was granted the title of Baron; however, Mikiomi’s estate was limited, and the family, including the main branch, faced financial hardship. Subsequently, with the mediation of Yamagata Aritomo, support was provided in the form of a public debt of 10,000 yen from the Imperial Palace Agency.

In 1924 (Taishō 13), following the untimely death of his nephew, Sanjō Jitsunori (1902–1924), he succeeded to the family headship and received the rank of Duke. Kintarō served the Empress Teimei and the Empress Kōjun, working in the Imperial Household Agency as the chief of the Empress’s Palace and as an official in the Empress Dowager’s Court. Later, in 1933 (Shōwa 8), he was appointed Director of Ceremonies, holding roles related to rituals and ceremonies at the Imperial Palace. He also served as Palace Singer.

As a member of the House of Peers, he was elected on June 16, 1924 (Taishō 13), and maintained his seat until his death in 1945 (Shōwa 20). In his later years, when afflicted by illness, he was blessed with grape wine as a token of well-wishing from the Emperor, Empress, and Empress Dowager. Upon his death, offerings for rituals were provided through the chamberlain Aibayashi So masa.

In terms of honors, he was ennobled as a Baron on February 19, 1892 (Meiji 25). He was later promoted to Third Rank (Jugo-i) on December 20, 1902 (Meiji 35), and advanced to Fourth Rank (Shijo-i) on December 28, 1915 (Taishō 4). As for decorations, he received the commemorative medal of the 2600th Year Celebration of the Imperial Reign on August 15, 1940.

In his personal life, he was married to Tae (daughter of Motonobu Mōri) and later to Shizuko (daughter of Sanjō Mune Masu). His children included Sanjō Jitsuharu (1913–1990), a lieutenant in the Army and his heir, who was a duke. Other children included Hiromi (wife of Baron Tokugawa Yoshihiro), Teruko (Princess Takeda, wife of Prince Kōraku Takeda), and Shūko (wife of Baron Asano Tadanari).

Related topics include the Sanjō family and his relation to Sanjō Mikiomi. Based on this information, details of Kintarō Sanjō’s career and family background are documented.

Sources include the "List of the House of Peers (Type C)" and "Noble Clans Directory."