Prince Katsura, the 66-year-old cousin of Emperor Akihito, died of heart failure in the University of Tokyo Hospital on Sunday morning, the government and Imperial Household Agency said.
He was the sixth in line to the Japanese imperial throne.
The prince, who has been in ill health for some time, was rushed to hospital early Sunday and died just before 11 a.m., TV Asahi reported. In 1988, he had surgery for acute subdural hematoma, and in 2008, was hospitalized for septicemia.
The prince, who was not married, had been confined to a wheelchair for the past few years.
© Japan Today
8 Comments
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Ron Barnes
No matter who this is so sad that he passed on at only 66 and confined in a wheel chair may he rest in piece now.
Juozas Vincas Astrauskas
God rest his soul!!
CGB Spender
RIP Katsura! He looked still sharp even in his age and severe condition!
Patricia Yarrow
Wasn't the Prince involved with the Australian sumo exhibition recently?
Wakarimasen
Yes, rest in piece Katsu-sama.
smithinjapan
RIP. If I recall correctly he's been sick for some time. For a second I immediately thought of Tomohito and that this was a result of alcoholism, but then he died pretty much two years ago to the day. Both of them were 66 years old.
Jay Wilson
RIP Your Highness
Michael Craig
May he welcomed by his ancestors and fallen family members in Heaven. RIP Your Highness.