TOKYO: General mourners began signing condolence books on Saturday (Nov 16) for Princess Yuriko, who had passed away at the age of 101 on the previous day (Nov 15), on the grounds of Prince Mikasa’s residence in Tokyo.
People visited the site, which is located at the Akasaka Estate, one after another from when the signing began at 9am on Saturday.
They were there to pay tribute to the princess, who had stood by Prince Mikasa in both the wartime and postwar eras.
“She was gentle and like a mother to the people. I hope her departure was a peaceful one,” said a tearful 77-year-old resident of Yawata, Kyoto Prefecture, who came to the site by overnight bus.
According to the Imperial Household Agency, the signing of condolence books will be offered for the time being, with available days being open from 9am to 7pm.
The wake for Princess Yuriko is scheduled to be held at the residence of Prince Mikasa on Nov. 24-25, and the main funeral ceremony, called the “Renso-no-Gi” rite, will take place at the Toshimagaoka Cemetery in Tokyo’s Otsuka district on Nov 26. - The Japan News/ANN
