Nobuhiko Higashikuni
Nobuhiko Higashikuni | |
|---|---|
| Born | Tokyo, Japan |
| Occupation(s) | Former Imperial prince, banker, executive director |
| Years active | After graduation from Keio University Law School, until at least 2009 |
| Known for | Eldest son of Shigeko, Princess Teru; grandson of Emperor Hirohito |
was a former Imperial prince and member of the Japanese aristocracy. As the first grandchild of Emperor Hirohito, he was the eldest son of Shigeko, Princess Teru, who was the Emperor's firstborn daughter. He was also a maternal nephew to Emperor Emeritus Akihito and a cousin to Emperor Naruhito. His father, Morihiro Higashikuni, was a grandson of Emperor Meiji.
Biography
Nobuhiko was born amid the Tokyo air raids as the firstborn of Prince Morihiro Higashikuni and Shigeko, Princess Teru. He departed from the Imperial Palace to pursue legal studies at Keio University Law School. His professional career included a position at Mitsui Bank and leadership roles in multiple organizations, such as serving as executive director and managing director of the Thai Association of Japan. In June 2008, he was appointed honorary president of the All Japan Baseball Conference, followed by an honorary advisory role with the Japan-US Friendship Bridge Executive Committee in July 2009. Additionally, he held honorary titles within the Togo Association and the Association to Protect Japanese Tradition.
In June 1972, he wed Yoshiko Shimada, who came from a commoner background involved in real estate management in Yokohama. The marriage received Emperor Hirohito's approval, partly due to Shimada's modest demeanor. The couple had one son named Masahiko.
Ancestry
Nobuhiko descended directly from both Emperor Hirohito and Emperor Meiji through his parents. This lineage, along with that of his son Masahiko, has been significant in discussions about Japanese imperial succession, especially given the limited number of male heirs prior to 2006.