The Five Score Prince: Mikasa Turns 100

Japanese Prince Mikasa celebrated his 100th birthday today, and said that “nothing will change” because of the milestone.

“While praying for the happiness of people around the world and expressing gratitude to my wife, Yuriko, who has supported me for more than 70 years, I want to continue to spend enjoyable and calm days,” a statement released by the Imperial Household Agency on behalf of the Prince said.

Prince Mikasa at the Imperial Family’s New Year celebrations, January 2015

Prince Mikasa is the last surviving uncle of the current Emperor, Akihito. He was the youngest of four children born to Emperor Taishō and Empress Teimei. The Prince joined the military in 1932 and served in the army as a staff officer during World War Two.

In 1942, Mikasa married Yuriko Takagi and the couple had five children: Princess Yasuko, Prince Tomihito, Prince Katsura, Princess Masako and Prince Takamado, their sons have all predeceased their parents. Prince and Princess Mikasa have nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Following the war, Prince Mikasa studied Semitic languages, archeology and Middle Eastern studies at Tokyo University.

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Tagged Birthday, Prince Mikasa of Japan.

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