TOKYO — The Japanese Imperial family has announced the passing of Princess Yuriko, who was not only the oldest member of the royal family but also the wife of Prince Mikasa, the younger brother of Emperor Hirohito. She was 101 years old at the time of her death, which occurred at a Tokyo hospital on Friday. While the specific cause of death has not been disclosed, reports indicate that she succumbed to pneumonia following a decline in her health.

Born into an aristocratic family in 1923, Yuriko married Prince Mikasa when she was just 18, just months prior to the onset of World War II. During the war’s final months in 1945, she faced hardship as she and her husband, along with their infant daughter, took refuge in a shelter after their home was destroyed by American firebombings in Tokyo.

Throughout her life, Yuriko was dedicated to her family, raising five children while also supporting her husband’s scholarly work on ancient Near Eastern history. In addition to her family responsibilities, she was active in her official duties and engaged in various charitable endeavors. She lived longer than her husband and her three sons, marking a significant legacy within the royal lineage.

With Yuriko’s passing, Japan’s imperial family has further dwindled to just 16 members, which includes only four men. This situation has intensified discussions surrounding the future of the family, particularly regarding the challenge of maintaining the imperial lineage amid pressures for a male-only succession. The Imperial House Law established in 1947 enforces these conservative views by allowing only male heirs to ascend to the throne and stripping female members of royal status if they marry non-royals.

Currently, the youngest male in the imperial family is Prince Hisahito, the nephew of Emperor Naruhito, who remains the sole heir apparent. This raises concerns within the government and amongst observers about the sustainability of the succession system, which does not permit female ascension.

Yuriko had previously lived an active life well into her centenarian years, maintaining a routine that included morning exercises while watching a fitness program on television. She was also known for her habit of reading various newspapers and magazines, along with enjoying television news and baseball. On pleasant days, she would spend time in the palace garden or be taken out in her wheelchair.

Following her stroke in March, Yuriko was hospitalized and had fluctuated in her health, spending several periods in intensive care. However, her condition took a downturn in the week leading up to her death, leading to her passing as reported by the Imperial Household Agency.