Takahiko Asaka

Takahiko Asaka (Asaka Takahiko, born October 8, 1912 – died May 6, 1994) was a former member of the Japanese imperial family and a military officer. At birth, his name was Takahiko Asaka, and he was also referred to as Prince Takahiko. He was the first prince of Prince Asaka Hatuhiko and the second head of the Asaka family. On October 14, 1947 (Showa 22), he renounced his imperial status and thereafter lived as a private citizen.

Birth and Family Background:

He was born at 5:05 a.m. on October 8, 1912 (Taisho 1) in Tokyo, as the first son of Prince Asaka Hatuhiko and Princess Nyo (the eighth daughter of Emperor Meiji, the 122nd Emperor). His name, Takahiko, was given 14 days after birth.

Education and Military Career:

He graduated from Tokyo Army Cadet School on March 18, 1929 (Showa 4). On July 11, 1933 (Showa 8), he graduated from the Imperial Japanese Army Academy (the 45th class), and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Infantry Regiment No. 1. On October 10, 1935 (Showa 10), he was promoted to the rank of infantry first lieutenant. On June 11, 1938 (Showa 13), he entered the Army War College (the 53rd class), and after graduation, transferred to the Air Service. On December 26 of that year, he married Chiga Ko, the eldest daughter of Takashi Toudou.

Military Promotions and Assignments:

He graduated from the Army War College on June 17, 1940 (Showa 15), and was promoted to major. In October 1941, he was promoted to the rank of major, and served in the Education Department of the Air Force Headquarters and as a staff officer of the 51st Air Division. On October 2, 1944 (Showa 19), he became a staff officer of the 51st Training Flight Division. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel on February 20, 1945 (Showa 20), and was engaged in military aviation during the wartime.

Imperial Title and Renunciation:

On October 14, 1947 (Showa 22), under Article 11 of the Imperial House Law, he renounced his imperial status along with his family. He then adopted the name Takahiko Asaka.

Postwar Activities and Faith:

After the war, following purges from public office, he attended lectures on aerospace engineering at the University of Tokyo. In 1952 (Showa 27), he joined Japan Airlines' operations department. His wife, Chiga Ko, who had recovered from tuberculosis, converted to Catholicism to pray for her recovery, and the entire family was baptized. He continued to live as a devout Christian, frequently attending Mass at the Catholic Ueno-moke Church in Tokyo even after reaching his seventies.

Death:

He died on May 6, 1994 (Heisei 6) at the age of 81. His final rank was Lieutenant Colonel in the Army.

Family and Children:

Throughout his life, he had multiple children, including his eldest daughter, Queen Fujiko (birth date unknown), Prince Makihiko (born 1943), and his second daughter, Queen Mieko (birth date unknown).

Honors and Titles:

In 1928 (Showa 3), he received the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun. In 1933 (Showa 8), he was awarded the First Class Order of the Rising Sun with Paulownia Flowers.

This account is based on facts regarding Takahiko Asaka's major life events, family relationships, military career, and religious faith from birth to death.