Yoshihito, Prince Katsura (桂宮宜仁親王 Katsura-no-miya Yoshihito Shinnō, 11 February 1948 – 8 June 2014) was a member of the Imperial House of Japan and the second son of Takahito, Prince Mikasa and Yuriko, Princess Mikasa. He was a first cousin of Emperor Akihito. Originally known as Prince Yoshihito of Mikasa, he received the title Prince Katsura (Katsura-no-miya) and authorization to start a new branch of the Imperial Family on 1 January 1988.

Early life and education

The Prince graduated from the Department of Political Studies in the Faculty of Law of Gakushuin University in 1971. Between 1971 and 1973 he studied at the Graduate School of the Australian National University, in Canberra, Australia. After his return to Japan, he worked as an administrator at the Japan Broadcasting Corporation from 1974 to 1985.

Public service

In 1982, the Prince returned to Australia as part of the Japanese delegation in honor of the tenth anniversary of the Australia-Japan Society. He also visited New Zealand to strengthen ties and friendly diplomatic relations. Despite his disabilities following a series of strokes in 1988, he took an active role in public service, and appeared regularly at award ceremonies, diplomatic events, and as President of various charity organizations.

In July 1997, Prince Katsura again visited Australia, to help promote an exhibition of the traditional sport of sumo, with exhibition matches held in Sydney and Melbourne.

Health issues and death

Prince Katsura suffered a series of strokes in May 1988, and became paralyzed from the waist down, forcing him to use a wheelchair. Despite this, he remained active in public life. In early 2014, the Prince was diagnosed with an unspecified illness that affected and deteriorated his heart. In the early hours of June 8, 2014, he suffered a massive heart attack, and despite best efforts he was pronounced dead at 10:50 AM local time. He was 66 years old.

Prince Katsura never married and leaves no legitimate children. As his brothers only had daughters themselves, his death marks the end of his father's branch of the Royal Family.

Titles and styles

• 11 February 1948 – 1 January 1988: His Imperial Highness Prince Yoshihito of Mikasa
• 1 January 1988 – 8 June 2014: His Imperial Highness The Prince Katsura

Honours

National honours

• Grand Cordon of the Order of the Chrysanthemum

Foreign honours

•  Italy : Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (09/03/1982)[2]

Honorary positions

• President of the Japan Australia New Zealand Society,Inc.
• President of the Agricultural Society of Japan
• President of the Japan Forestry Association
• President of the Japan Art Crafts Association
• President of the Japanese Urushi Craft•Art Association