Fusako Kitashirakawa

Fusako Kitashirakawa (北白川房子, Kitashirakawa Fusako), born Fusako, Princess Kane (周宮房子内親王, Kane-no-miya Fusako Naishinnō, 28 January 1890 – 11 August 1974), was the eleventh child and seventh daughter of Emperor Meiji of Japan and one of his consorts, Lady Sachiko.

Biography

Princess Fusako (left) and Princess Masako (right). Princess Fusako wearing a military uniform for women of the Army.

She was born in Japan, daughter of Emperor Meiji and Lady Sachiko. She held the childhood appellation "Kane no miya" (Princess Kane).

On April 29, 1909, Princess Kane married Prince Kitashirakawa (1887–1923), the son of Prince Kitashirakawa Yoshihisa and Princess Tomiko. Prince Naruhisa succeeded as head of the house of Kitashirakawa-no-miya after the death of his father in November 1895 during the First Sino-Japanese War. Prince and Princess Kitashirakawa had one son and three daughters:

1. Prince Nagahisa Kitashirakawa (北白川宮永久王, Higashikuni Nagahisa Ō, 1910–1940)
2. Princess Mineko Kitashirakawa (美年子女王, Mineko Joō, 1910-1970); Married Viscount Tachibana Tanekatsu
3. Princess Sawako Kitashirakawa (佐和子女王, Sawako Joō, 1913-2001); Married Viscount Higashizono Motofumi
4. Princess Taeko Kitashirakawa (多惠子女王, Taeko Joō, 1920-1954); Married Tokugawa Yoshihisa.

In October 1947, the Kitashirakawa and the other branches of the Japanese Imperial Family were divested of their titles and privileges during the American occupation of Japan and became commoners. The former princess served as custodian and chief priestess of the Ise Shrine until her death on 11 August 1974, aged 84.

Titles and styles

• 28 January 1890 – 29 April 1909: Her Imperial Highness The Princess Kane
• 29 April 1909 – 1 April 1923: Her Imperial Highness The Princess Kitashirakawa
• 1 April 1923 – 14 October 1947: Her Imperial Highness The Dowager Princess Kitashirakawa
• 14 October 1947 – 11 August 1974: Mrs. Naruhisa Kitashirakawa

Honours

National honours

• Grand Cordon of the Order of the Precious Crown