Yamashina Noriko

Princess Noriko Kikumaro, later known as Kikumaro-ōhi Noriko (December 4, 1878 – November 11, 1901), was a member of the Japanese imperial family. She was the former consort of Prince Kikumaro of the Yamashina-no-miya branch and the second daughter of Duke Michitaka Kujo, a former noble family. She was also the full sister of Empress Teimei.

Biography

Princess Noriko Kikumaro was born on December 4, 1878 (Meiji 11). She married Prince Kikumaro of the Yamashina-no-miya on September 14, 1895 (Meiji 28). Through her marriage, she became a member of the imperial family and later had children. Her children include Prince Takehiko, Prince Yoshimaro, and Princess Yasuko.

On October 31, 1901 (Meiji 34), she gave birth to her third child, Princess Yasuko. However, due to difficult placental detachment and bleeding, she developed acute cerebral anemia. Starting from the evening of November 1, she experienced a fever (puerperal fever), and by November 9, she developed encephalopathy. Her condition worsened, and she passed away from cardiac paralysis at 5:10 a.m. on November 11.

Prior to her death, Noriko was awarded the First Class of the Imperial Crown Order.

Funeral and Memorial Service

After her death, Niwa Ryunosuke, a court official, was dispatched as an envoy of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken to the Yamashina residence, where offerings of ceremonial rice and sacred food were made. Furthermore, on November 17, funeral ceremonies were conducted with the Emperor Meiji, Empress Shōken, the Crown Prince, and the Crown Princess all represented in memorial services.

Her remains were interred at Tōshimaoka Cemetery in Bunkyō, Tokyo. The funeral procession left the Yamashina residence, and the funeral ceremony began at 2 p.m., during which members of the imperial family and related personnel paid their respects by offering Tamamushi (small ritual branches with paper or cloth decorations). The funeral concluded at 5:30 p.m.

Honors

Throughout her life, Noriko received several decorations.

Notes

Annotations

Sources

The above information is based on facts regarding her birth, marriage, death, and the detailed procedures related to her funeral.