Princess Yuriko’s health deteriorates

The health of Yuriko, Princess Mikasa, has declined to such an extent that her granddaughter, Princess Akiko, rushed home from abroad.

The 101-year-old Princess has been hospitalised since March after suffering a stroke and pneumonia. She was then treated at an intensive care unit at St. Luke’s International Hospital in Tokyo.

She was moved to a private room in September and had been undergoing rehabilitation.

According to the Imperial Household Agency, the Princess’s condition has deteriorated, and tests show a decline in function throughout her body, including her kidneys and heart.

Princess Akiko immediately travelled from the airport to visit her grandmother. In addition, her daughter-in-law, Hisako, Princess Takamado, has cancelled an upcoming visit.

The princess is the widow of Prince Mikasa, a younger brother of the late Emperor Hirohito. They had five children together: three sons and two daughters. All three sons have predeceased Princess Yuriko.