Hubbry Logo
Setsuko, Princess ChichibuSetsuko, Princess ChichibuMain
Open search
Setsuko, Princess Chichibu
Community hub
Setsuko, Princess Chichibu
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Setsuko, Princess Chichibu
Setsuko, Princess Chichibu
Setsuko, Princess Chichibu
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Setsuko, Princess Chichibu (雍仁親王妃勢津子, Yasuhito Shinnōhi Setsuko; born Setsuko Matsudaira (松平節子, Matsudaira Setsuko); 9 September 1909 – 25 August 1995) was a member of the Japanese imperial family and the wife of Yasuhito, Prince Chichibu, the second son of Emperor Taishō and Empress Teimei. Setsuko was a sister-in-law of Emperor Shōwa and an aunt by marriage of Emperor Akihito.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Setsuko Matsudaira was born on 9 September 1909 in Walton-on-Thames, England, into the prominent Matsudaira family.[1][2] Her father, Tsuneo Matsudaira, was a diplomat and politician who later served as the Japanese ambassador to the United States (1924) and later to United Kingdom (1928), and still later, Imperial Household Minister (1936–45, 1946–47). Her mother, Nobuko Nabeshima, was a member of the Nabeshima family. Her paternal grandfather, Katamori Matsudaira, was the last daimyō of the Aizu Domain and head of the Aizu-Matsudaira cadet branch of the Tokugawa. Her maternal grandfather, Marquis Naohiro Nabeshima, was the former daimyō of the Saga Domain. Her mother's elder sister, Itsuko (1882–1976), married Prince Morimasa Nashimoto, an uncle of Empress Kōjun. Despite her prestigious heritage, Setsuko was technically born a commoner, but both sides of her family maintained kinship with distinguished kazoku aristocratic families close to the Japanese Imperial Family.

From 1925 to 1928, Setsuko was educated at the Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C. while her father was ambassador to the United States.[3] Setsuko was fluent in English and was sometimes considered to be a Kikokushijo. Upon her return to Japan, Setsuko was chosen by Empress Teimei to marry her second son, Yasuhito, Prince Chichibu, despite the fact she was a commoner.[4] Setsuko married the Prince after her uncle, Viscount Morio Matsudaira, formally adopted her, thus removing the status incongruity between the prince and his bride.[5]

Marriage

[edit]
The Prince and Princess Chichibu on their wedding day
Chrysanthemum × morifolium, designated imperial personal emblem of Setsuko

On 28 September 1928, aged 19, Setsuko wed Prince Chichibu, and became Princess Chichibu.[6][7][8] The bride and groom were eighth cousins, thrice removed, as both were descended from Nabeshima Katsushige, the first lord of Saga.[9] Prince and Princess Chichibu had no children, as Princess Chichibu's only pregnancy ended in a miscarriage. However, by all accounts their marriage was filled with love and happiness for each other.[10][11]

In 1937, the prince and princess were sent on a tour of Western Europe which took several months.[10] They represented Japan at the May 1937 coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in Westminster Abbey and subsequently visited Sweden and the Netherlands as the guests of King Gustav V and Queen Wilhelmina, respectively. Princess Chichibu stayed in Switzerland while her husband met Adolf Hitler in Nuremberg at the end of the trip.[12] Princess Chichibu felt a great love for the United States and for the United Kingdom and, as an anglophile, was greatly saddened by Japan's entry into the Second World War on the side of the Axis powers.[13][14]

Widowhood

[edit]

After the Prince's death of tuberculosis in 1953,[15] Princess Chichibu became president of the Society for the Prevention of Tuberculosis, honorary president of the Britain-Japan Society, the Sweden-Japan Society, and an honorary vice president of the Japanese Red Cross[16] The Princess made several semi-official visits to Great Britain and Sweden.

Death

[edit]

Princess Chichibu died from heart failure in Tokyo on 25 August 1995, shortly before her 86th birthday.[17][18] Princess Chichibu's autobiography, which was published posthumously as The Silver Drum: A Japanese Imperial Memoir, was translated into English by Dorothy Britton.[19]

Honours

[edit]
National
Foreign

Ancestry

[edit]
Ancestors of Setsuko, Princess Chichibu[9]
8. Matsudaira Yoshitatsu, 10th Lord of Takasu (1800–1862)
4. Matsudaira Katamori, 9th Lord of Aizu (1836–1893)
9. Komori Chiyoko
2. Matsudaira Tsuneo (1877–1949)
10. Kawamura Genbei
5. Kawamura Nagako
1. Setsuko, Princess Chichibu
12. Nabeshima Naomasa, 10th Lord of Saga (1815–1871)
6. Marquess Nabeshima Naohiro, 11th Lord of Saga (1846–1921)
13. Tokugawa Tatsuko (1830–1886)
3. Lady Nabeshima Nobuko (1886–1969)
14. Hirohashi Taneyasu (1819–1876)
7. Hirohashi Nagako (1855–1941)

Patrilineal descent

[edit]
Patrilineal descent

Setsuko's patriline is the line from which she is descended father to son.

The existence of a verifiable link between the Nitta clan and the Tokugawa/Matsudaira clan remains somewhat in dispute.

  1. Descent prior to Keitai is unclear to modern historians, but traditionally traced back patrilineally to Emperor Jimmu
  2. Emperor Keitai, ca. 450–534
  3. Emperor Kinmei, 509–571
  4. Emperor Bidatsu, 538–585
  5. Prince Oshisaka, ca. 556–???
  6. Emperor Jomei, 593–641
  7. Emperor Tenji, 626–671
  8. Prince Shiki, ????–716
  9. Emperor Kōnin, 709–786
  10. Emperor Kanmu, 737–806
  11. Emperor Saga, 786–842
  12. Emperor Ninmyō, 810–850
  13. Emperor Montoku 826–858
  14. Emperor Seiwa, 850–881
  15. Prince Sadazumi, 873–916
  16. Minamoto no Tsunemoto, 894–961
  17. Minamoto no Mitsunaka, 912–997
  18. Minamoto no Yorinobu, 968–1048
  19. Minamoto no Yoriyoshi, 988–1075
  20. Minamoto no Yoshiie, 1039–1106
  21. Minamoto no Yoshikuni, 1091–1155
  22. Minamoto no Yoshishige, 1114–1202
  23. Nitta Yoshikane, 1139–1206
  24. Nitta Yoshifusa, 1162–1195
  25. Nitta Masayoshi, 1187–1257
  26. Nitta Masauji, 1208–1271
  27. Nitta Motouji, 1253–1324
  28. Nitta Tomouji, 1274–1318
  29. Nitta Yoshisada, 1301–1338
  30. Nitta Yoshimune, 1331?–1368
  31. Tokugawa Chikasue?, ????–???? (speculated)
  32. Tokugawa Arichika, ????–????
  33. Matsudaira Chikauji, d. 1393?
  34. Matsudaira Yasuchika, ????–14??
  35. Matsudaira Nobumitsu, c. 1404–1488/89?
  36. Matsudaira Chikatada, 1430s–1501
  37. Masudaira Nagachika, 1473–1544
  38. Matsudaira Nobutada, 1490–1531
  39. Matsudaira Kiyoyasu, 1511–1536
  40. Matsudaira Hirotada, 1526–1549
  41. Tokugawa Ieyasu, 1st Tokugawa Shōgun (1543–1616)
  42. Tokugawa Yorifusa, 1st Lord of Mito (1603–1661)
  43. Matsudaira Yorishige, 1st Lord of Takamatsu (1622–1695)
  44. Matsudaira Yoriyuki (1661–1687)
  45. Matsudaira Yoritoyo, 3rd Lord of Takamatsu (1680–1735)
  46. Tokugawa Munetaka, 4th Lord of Mito (1705–1730)
  47. Tokugawa Munemoto, 5th Lord of Mito (1728–1766)
  48. Tokugawa Harumori, 6th Lord of Mito (1751–1805)
  49. Matsudaira Yoshinari, 9th Lord of Takasu (1776–1832)
  50. Matsudaira Yoshitatsu, 10th Lord of Takasu (1800–1862)
  51. Matsudaira Katamori, 9th Lord of Aizu (1836–1893)
  52. Tsuneo Matsudaira, (1877–1949)
  53. Setsuko Matsudaira, (1909–1995)

Footnotes

[edit]

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Setsuko, Princess Chichibu

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Setsuko, Princess Chichibu (9 September 1909 – 25 August 1995) was a prominent member of Japan's imperial family, best known as the wife of Yasuhito, Prince Chichibu, the second son of Emperor Taishō and brother to Emperor Shōwa. Born Setsuko Matsudaira in Walton-on-Thames, England, to diplomat Tsuneo Matsudaira and his wife Nobuko Nabeshima, she was raised in a family with deep ties to the Aizu Domain and international diplomacy, returning to Japan at eight months old. Educated at the Peers' School in Tokyo from 1918 and later at Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C., from 1925 to 1928 while her father served as Japan's ambassador to the United States, she developed fluency in English and a strong interest in Western culture and sports. She married Prince Chichibu on 28 September 1928 at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, following a betrothal announced on 18 January 1928, and the couple had no children; the prince died of tuberculosis on 4 January 1953. Throughout her life, Princess Chichibu played a vital role in imperial duties and , attending key events such as Emperor Shōwa's enthronement in on 10 November 1928 and King George VI's coronation in on 12 May 1937, which underscored her efforts in strengthening Anglo-Japanese relations. She deputized for Empress Kōjun on regional tours during , including visits to Shizuoka and Kanagawa Prefectures in 1943, and supported her husband during his illness at the Gotemba Imperial Villa. A dedicated advocate for , she served as Honorary President of the Japan Anti- Association from 22 May 1939, a position she held for decades following her husband's death from the disease, and her legacy endures through the Princess Chichibu Memorial TB Global Award established by the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. Princess Chichibu also championed international goodwill, sports, and scholarship, acting as honorary president of the -British Society and the Sweden- Society, and honorary vice-president of the Red Cross Society, while engaging in post-war activities like farming and pottery at Gotemba to promote self-sufficiency. Her memoirs, The Silver Drum: A Japanese Imperial Memoir, published in English, reflect her graceful navigation of imperial life, waka poetry composition, and patronage of cultural exchanges, including multiple visits to Britain in 1962 and 1974. She died of at her residence on 25 August 1995, at age 85, leaving a lasting impact as a bridge between Japanese tradition and global .

Early Life and Education

Birth and Family Background

Setsuko Matsudaira was born on September 9, 1909, in Walton-on-Thames, England, the eldest daughter of Tsuneo Matsudaira, a distinguished Japanese diplomat and politician, and his wife Nobuko Nabeshima. Her family descended from the prominent Matsudaira and Nabeshima clans, both historic samurai lineages with significant influence in feudal Japan; the Matsudaira clan, in particular, had served the Tokugawa shogunate as daimyo lords. Tsuneo Matsudaira rose through the ranks of the foreign service, later becoming Japan's ambassador to the from 1924 to 1928 and to the from 1929 to 1936, as well as vice-minister of and minister of the imperial household. Despite this noble heritage, Setsuko held the legal status of a , which posed a barrier to her integration into the imperial family. To address this, she was formally adopted by her uncle, Morio Matsudaira, elevating her standing and allowing him to represent the family in subsequent arrangements. The family returned to in 1910, shortly after her birth, as Tsuneo's diplomatic duties shifted. Her English birthplace fostered early fluency in the language, laying a foundation for her future diplomatic and international engagements.

Childhood and Education

Setsuko Matsudaira spent her early childhood in after returning from at eight months old, where she was born during her father's diplomatic posting in . Her father's career as a prominent , including roles in the Japanese foreign service, exposed her to international environments from a young age, fostering an early interest in global affairs. By the age of 18, she had lived in multiple countries, including brief periods tied to family relocations, which contributed to her cultural adaptability. In , Setsuko received her initial formal at the Peers' School for Girls, an elite institution for daughters of nobility that emphasized traditional alongside preparatory studies. This schooling laid the foundation for her , blending Japanese heritage with the cosmopolitan influences of her family's diplomatic life. Her time in Tokyo diplomatic residences highlighted the privileges and expectations of her upbringing in aristocratic circles. From 1925 to 1928, Setsuko attended Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C., coinciding with her father's appointment as Japanese ambassador to the United States. The Quaker-run institution instilled values of simplicity, integrity, and social responsibility, while immersing her in American culture and ensuring fluency in English. This period in a Washington diplomatic residence deepened her exposure to Western customs and international diplomacy. In 1928, Setsuko returned to to prepare for her , marking the transition from her educational years to her role as an imperial consort. This preparation underscored her unique bicultural perspective, shaped by years of residence in both Japanese and American diplomatic settings, equipping her with multilingual skills and cross-cultural insight.

Marriage to Prince Chichibu

Courtship and Wedding

In 1926, Prince Yasuhito, the second son of Emperor Taishō, met Setsuko Matsudaira during his travels across the following his father's death, renewing an earlier acquaintance at the Japanese embassy in Washington where her father, Tsuneo Matsudaira, served as ambassador. Impressed by the 17-year-old Setsuko, the prince decided she would become his bride, a choice approved by his parents, Emperor Taishō and , from among carefully selected candidates of suitable background. Further meetings occurred during family visits after the Matsudaira family returned to in 1927, facilitating the courtship process under imperial oversight. The engagement was formally announced on 18 January 1928, marking a departure from tradition as Setsuko was a , sparking widespread public interest and speculation in about her integration into the imperial family. To meet the requirements of the Imperial House Law, Setsuko was adopted by her uncle, Morio Matsudaira, elevating her status shortly before the wedding. The couple, who were eighth cousins thrice removed through descent from Nabeshima Katsushige, the first of , proceeded with betrothal gifts exchanged on September 14, 1928, including traditional items such as garments, a fan, dried fish, and rice wine. The wedding took place on September 28, 1928, at the Kashikodokoro shrine within the Imperial Palace in , conducted through ancient rites limited to the imperial family and court officials, with all foreigners excluded. At 10 a.m., Prince Yasuhito invoked blessings from , the sun goddess, before exchanging cups of sacred with Setsuko in a ritual symbolizing their union, accompanied by ancestral worship and traditional flute music. Public celebrations ensued afterward, including gatherings with Setsuko's former classmates, highlighting national enthusiasm for the event. As a entering the imperial fold, Setsuko encountered initial challenges, including heightened media scrutiny and the need to adapt to rigid court protocols and etiquette. Her prior at the Peers' School in and experiences abroad, however, facilitated her adjustment to palace life. Upon marriage, she assumed the title Setsuko, Princess Chichibu, formally integrating into the imperial family.

Family Life and Travels

Following their marriage in 1928, Setsuko and Prince Chichibu established their primary residence at the Omote-chō Palace in the Akasaka Imperial Estate in , a traditional yet modernized home that served as the center of their domestic life. The couple had no surviving children, as Setsuko's only pregnancy ended in shortly after their wedding, leaving them without heirs despite their deep affection for one another. The princess and her husband shared a vibrant centered on mutual interests in sports and outdoor activities, with Setsuko actively supporting Prince Chichibu's passions for rugby and , which he pursued as an avid promoter of athletics in . They frequently participated together in imperial family events, blending their modern sensibilities with ceremonial duties, and Setsuko often joined him in and other recreational pursuits that strengthened their bond. A highlight of their pre-war travels was the extensive 1937 goodwill tour of and , during which they represented Emperor Hirohito at the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in , visiting Britain and amid warm receptions that underscored Setsuko's diplomatic poise. En route, the couple made stops in , including , and the , such as New York, fostering international ties through public engagements and cultural exchanges. In their domestic routine during , Setsuko provided steadfast support to Prince Chichibu amid his military service, as he advanced through the ranks, including his promotion to in 1930 following graduation from the . This period of relative stability allowed them to enjoy quiet family moments and joint travels until the escalating tensions leading to began to disrupt their lifestyle.

Public Roles and Contributions

Involvement in Sports and International Events

Setsuko, Princess Chichibu, played a significant role in supporting her husband Prince Chichibu's leadership in Japan's Olympic movement during the 1930s and 1950s. As president of the Japanese Olympic Committee from 1951 until his death in 1953, the prince championed Japan's international athletic participation, and he traveled to major events, including the in , where he advocated for judo's inclusion as an Olympic sport. The princess also contributed to the promotion of in Japan during the 1930s and 1940s, which aligned with her husband's pioneering efforts in that popularized the sport domestically. Amid wartime constraints and 's post-war recovery, she engaged in international through sports-related visits, including official journeys to in the early 1950s, where she emphasized athletic goodwill to rebuild global relations. As honorary president of the Japan-British Society, Princess Chichibu fostered cultural exchanges between and the West via sports in the , notably extending invitations to British royals for events like rugby matches and track competitions to symbolize renewed friendship.

Charitable and Social Work

Setsuko, Princess Chichibu, demonstrated a profound commitment to from the late onward, with her early involvement centered on health initiatives amid 's pre-war and wartime challenges. In May 1939, she was appointed Honorary President of the Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association (JATA) by special decree from , marking her foundational role in efforts to combat , a disease that increasingly affected her husband, Prince Chichibu, following his diagnosis in 1940. Her support for tuberculosis prevention during this period was deeply personal, as she assisted in the prince's treatment, including coordinating care with a Red Cross nurse in 1940 and later overseeing experimental therapy in 1944 under Dr. Terao. This involvement extended to broader wartime relief from 1937 to 1945, where she deputized for the Empress in visiting naval hospitals in Shizuoka and Kanagawa prefectures in 1943 to bolster nursing and morale among the wounded, while also promoting self-sufficiency by cultivating vegetables and baking bread during air raids in 1945 to aid war-affected families. Although her formal role with the Japanese Red Cross began later, she engaged in its activities as early as 1944, reflecting her dedication to nursing and humanitarian relief during the conflict. Following , Princess Chichibu expanded her philanthropic efforts, assuming the position of Honorary Vice-President of the Japanese Red Cross on March 24, 1953, which allowed her to lead initiatives in and welfare reconstruction. That same year, inspired by her husband's ongoing struggles with —he succumbed to the disease on January 4, 1953—she transitioned to full President of the JATA, a role she held for decades until her death to intensify prevention campaigns. Her wartime experiences informed advocacy, including writing My Nursing in 1948 to inspire patients and establishing the Prince Chichibu Farm that year to provide food relief in scarcity-stricken communities, thereby supporting family welfare in Japan's rebuilding. In the , she spearheaded awareness drives through public speeches and fundraisers, such as those organized under JATA auspices, which raised resources for sanatoriums and programs while aligning with the imperial family's broader humanitarian endeavors. These efforts emphasized preventive care and community support, drawing on her personal insights to foster resilience among affected populations. Her enduring commitment to JATA led to the establishment of the Princess Chichibu Memorial TB Global Award by the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. Princess Chichibu's post-war also embraced international goodwill and social welfare, as evidenced by her appointment as Honorary Patron of the Japan-Britain Society on August 13, 1953, and the Japan-Sweden Society on October 6, 1953, roles that evolved into honorary presidencies promoting cultural exchange and health collaborations. Through these positions, she advocated for women's enhanced social roles and as pillars of Japan's recovery, participating in initiatives that encouraged female involvement in and programs tied to welfare organizations. Her work in the 1950s, including composing a song for a nursing school in 1958 to underscore empathy in caregiving, further integrated gender-inclusive approaches to , ensuring that rebuilding efforts addressed both health and societal equity within the imperial framework.

Widowhood and Later Years

Life After Husband's Death

Following the death of her husband, Prince Chichibu, on January 4, 1953, from , Setsuko experienced profound grief and chose to remain in the Chichibu Palace in Tokyo's Akasaka district as the dowager princess, upholding her imperial traditions in solitude. She never remarried, dedicating herself to reflection and maintaining close family ties with Emperor Shōwa, her brother-in-law, as well as other members of the imperial family, which provided emotional support during her widowhood. During her widowhood, she engaged in activities like farming and at the Gotemba Imperial Villa to promote self-sufficiency. During the and , her daily routines centered on quiet pursuits within the palace, including —where she cultivated —and reading, alongside light social engagements with family and close associates. Her ongoing charitable commitments offered amid the loss, helping her navigate the emotional adjustments of widowhood.

Diplomatic and Cultural Engagements

Following the death of her husband in , Setsuko, Princess Chichibu, emerged as a key figure in Japan's , leveraging her fluency in English and personal ties to to foster bilateral relations, particularly with Britain and . As honorary patron of the Japan-British since August 13, , and the Japan-Sweden since October 6, , she undertook semi-official visits that emphasized friendship and mutual understanding, helping to rebuild ties strained by . Her engagements included multiple trips to Britain, beginning with a significant visit from July 21 to August 7, 1962, as honorary patron of the Japan-British Society, during which she toured , including , and was created an honorary Grand Cross of the Most Excellent on July 23 for her contributions to Anglo-Japanese relations. In January 1967, she returned for an 11-day stay to attend the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Japan in , including a dinner at the on January 27. Further visits occurred in June 1974 (June 7–19), where she met Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother for tea at and attended the funeral of the at ; June 1979 (June 4–18), invited by the British government; and October 1981, when she attended the opening of the Great Japan Exhibition at the Royal Academy on 21 October, meeting Prince Charles and . These trips often involved meetings with British royals, such as Queen Elizabeth II during her 1962 itinerary, to promote goodwill and shared cultural heritage. Princess Chichibu's visits to Sweden spanned from the 1950s to the 1980s, reflecting her role in strengthening Nordic-Japanese bonds. In 1962, as part of her European tour from July 21 to August 7, she visited Sweden as honorary patron of the Japan-Sweden Society. She returned on April 8, 1969, for a formal investiture with the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Seraphim by the Swedish king, underscoring her contributions to bilateral friendship. These engagements with Swedish royals, including ongoing interactions through the society, facilitated cultural exchanges that endured into the 1980s. As a cultural , Chichibu hosted foreign dignitaries in throughout the 1960s and 1980s, including British royals such as Alexandra in 1961, whom she guided through Japan Red Cross facilities, and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother for tea on an unspecified post-war occasion. She participated in bilateral events, notably the Great Japan Exhibition in in 1981, which highlighted Japanese art and culture to British audiences and advanced Anglo-Japanese ties in the late 1970s and early 1980s. In 1978, during a visit to the British Embassy in , she was invested as an honorary Dame Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George by Margaret, further symbolizing her diplomatic bridge-building. Her activities advocated for post-World War II peace and reconciliation, particularly during European tours where she emphasized shared histories and mutual respect in informal discussions with royals and society members, contributing to Japan's reintegration into international circles. In the , she continued these efforts with trips such as the 1981 visit to Britain and , where her English proficiency enabled direct, informal at commemorative events like the Great Japan Exhibition, until her health limited travel in the .

Death and Legacy

Death

Setsuko, Princess Chichibu, died of on August 25, 1995, at her residence in , aged 85, following a period of declining health that had persisted since her husband's death in 1953. Her funeral took place on August 31, 1995, at Toshimagaoka Cemetery in , where members of the Imperial family—including and Crown Princess Masako—joined and approximately 670 other dignitaries in attendance. She was buried at Toshimagaoka Imperial Cemetery alongside Prince Chichibu, with the ceremony underscoring widespread public mourning for her enduring popularity and service to Japan.

Publications and Enduring Influence

Setsuko, Princess Chichibu, left a significant literary legacy through her autobiography, published in Japanese in 1991 and translated into English as The Silver Drum: A Japanese Imperial Memoir in 1996 by Dorothy Britton. The memoir provides an intimate account of her life, from her bicultural upbringing and arranged marriage to Prince Chichibu in 1928, to the challenges of wartime Japan and her post-war reflections on imperial duties and societal change. It emphasizes her personal struggles, including her husband's battle with tuberculosis and her advocacy for reconciliation after World War II, portraying her as a bridge between tradition and contemporary values. Her efforts significantly influenced Japan-United Kingdom relations, earning her recognition as a key figure in reconciliation. As patron of the Japan British Society from 1953 onward, Princess Chichibu facilitated cultural exchanges and diplomatic goodwill, hosting British royals and promoting mutual understanding amid lingering wartime tensions. Diplomatic histories credit her bicultural background—born in and educated partly —with fostering enduring Anglo-Japanese ties, exemplified by her reciprocal visits with British counterparts that symbolized renewed friendship. Her role is highlighted in accounts of imperial diplomacy, where she helped normalize relations strained by the . In philanthropy, Princess Chichibu's enduring legacy centers on tuberculosis prevention and the evolving roles of women in the imperial family. Following her husband's death from tuberculosis in 1953, she continued her presidency of the Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association, which she had held since , advancing global awareness and treatment initiatives that inspired modern programs. This commitment led to the establishment of the Princess Chichibu Memorial TB Global Award by the Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association in her honor, recognizing outstanding contributions to TB control worldwide since 1996. The award continues to recognize global contributions to TB control, with recipients including Dr. Nguyen Viet Nhung in 2024. Her advocacy also modeled progressive female engagement within the , influencing subsequent generations of princesses to pursue and charitable work. Culturally, her bicultural narrative symbolizes Japan's transition to modernity, blending Western influences with imperial traditions. Born to a father in in 1909 and raised across continents, she embodied the Meiji-era fusion of global perspectives into Japanese identity, as explored in biographies of the imperial family. Her story recurs in literature on Anglo-Japanese relations, underscoring her as a pioneering figure whose life bridged Eastern and Western worlds during pivotal historical shifts.

Honours and Symbols

Imperial and National Honours

Upon her marriage to , on September 28, 1928, Setsuko received the , a distinction traditionally bestowed on female members of the Imperial Family and women with distinguished , symbolizing her new status as an imperial consort. This award marked the beginning of her formal recognition within Japan's imperial honours system, reflecting the standard protocol for such unions during the Showa era. Following Prince Chichibu's death in 1953, Setsuko continued her public duties, earning additional national honours for her widowhood service and social contributions. During the , amid wartime hardships, Setsuko actively supported relief efforts as an honorary vice-president of the , earning commendations from the organization and the government for her work in aid distribution and medical support. These recognitions highlighted her role in bolstering national resilience through humanitarian service. The progression of her awards illustrates a trajectory from marital status to lifelong public service:
DateHonourDescription
September 28, 1928Grand Cordon of the Awarded upon marriage, as per imperial tradition for consorts.
1940s (specific dates vary by commendation)Japanese Red Cross and Government CommendationsFor wartime relief efforts, including aid coordination and support.

Personal Emblem and Legacy Awards

Upon her marriage to Prince Chichibu in 1928, Setsuko adopted the (Chrysanthemum × morifolium), a hybrid variety symbolizing elegance and longevity, as her personal in accordance with imperial custom, where family members select botanical motifs for personal use. This flower, evoking the broader imperial association with the as a , was chosen by her mother and reflected Setsuko's refined persona and ties to the imperial household. In recognition of her diplomatic efforts to strengthen , particularly with , Setsuko received several foreign honors during her lifetime. She was appointed Honorary Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE) on 23 July 1962. She was also appointed Honorary Dame Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George by Queen Elizabeth II in 1978 for her contributions to Anglo-Japanese friendship, an accolade presented during a ceremony highlighting her role as a cultural bridge. Additionally, as honorary president of the Japan-Britain Society and the Japan-Sweden Society since the 1950s, she facilitated exchanges that earned her associated commendations. Following her death in 1995, Setsuko's legacy was honored through enduring recognitions tied to her charitable work. The Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association established the Princess Chichibu Memorial TB Global Award in 1998 to commemorate her presidency of the organization since 1953 and her global advocacy against , awarding it annually to individuals advancing TB control worldwide. The award's plaque bears her personal , underscoring her symbolic influence. This tribute, along with named scholarships in anti-TB programs, perpetuates her commitment to , with the appearing in modern cultural artifacts and imperial commemorations of her .

Ancestry

Immediate Ancestry

Setsuko Matsudaira, later Princess Chichibu, was born as the eldest daughter of Tsuneo Matsudaira (1877–1949), a prominent Japanese who served as to the and the , originating from the branch of the . Tsuneo's diplomatic career often required the family to reside abroad, shaping Setsuko's early international exposure. Her paternal grandfather, Katamori Matsudaira (1836–1893), was the last daimyō of the and a loyalist to the during the late , maintaining the clan's noble status into the . On her maternal side, Setsuko's mother was Nobuko Nabeshima (1885–1977), a member of the Nabeshima clan from the , known for their historical role as daimyō and porcelain production experts. Nobuko's family ties connected to imperial circles through her elder sister Itsuko Nabeshima, who married Prince Morimasa Nashimoto, an uncle of Empress Kōjun. Setsuko had two younger siblings: sister Masako Matsudaira (later ) and brother Ichirō Matsudaira (1912–1990), who later became a and married into the Tokugawa family. As the eldest daughter of a distinguished noble family with ties to both the via her father's line and the imperial household through her mother's relatives, Setsuko's background made her a suitable candidate for her 1928 marriage to Prince Yasuhito Chichibu, arranged by .

Immediate Family Tree

  • Paternal Grandfather: Katamori Matsudaira (last daimyō of , 1836–1893)
    • Father: Tsuneo Matsudaira (, 1877–1949)
      • Mother: Nobuko Nabeshima (Nabeshima clan of , 1885–1977)
        • Eldest Daughter: Setsuko Matsudaira (1909–1995, m. Prince Chichibu)
        • Daughter: Masako Matsudaira (m. Tokugawa family)
        • Son: Ichirō Matsudaira (1912–1990)
This structure highlights the Matsudaira-Nabeshima union's links to feudal domains under the , without extending to deeper patrilineal branches.

Patrilineal Descent

Setsuko, Princess Chichibu, belonged to the patrilineal line of the through her father, Tsuneo Matsudaira (1877–1949), a prominent who served as Japan's to the and the . Tsuneo was the eldest son of (1836–1893), the ninth and last of the , known for his loyalty to the during the . Katamori's biological father was Matsudaira Yoshitatsu (1800–1862), the tenth of the Takasu Domain in , a of the that traced its origins to the main Mikawa Matsudaira line. The Takasu-Matsudaira branch, to which Katamori belonged prior to his adoption into the line, descended from the broader , whose claimed origins lie in the lineage of the . The clan's progenitor is traditionally identified as Matsudaira Chikauji (d. 1393), a feudal lord in who was an eighth-generation descendant of Nitta Yoshisue (d. 1358), a key figure in the Nitta branch of the Minamoto. This Nitta branch was founded by Minamoto no Yoshishige (1135–1202), a grandson of the renowned warrior , who established the family's base in Nitta estate in Kozuke Province while maintaining ties to the Kai Genji, the Minamoto warriors associated with . The Matsudaira thus represented a collateral line of the Kai Genji, emphasizing heritage without direct imperial blood, which elevated their status during the . The Matsudaira clan's connection to the stemmed from (1543–1616), who was born as Matsudaira Takechiyo, the ninth head of the Mikawa Matsudaira branch. Ieyasu's adoption of the Tokugawa surname in 1567 marked the elevation of the family to shogunal power, with many Matsudaira branches, including Takasu, receiving domains as shinpan —relatives of the . This affiliation granted the clan noble privileges and roles in the Edo bakufu, such as guardianship of and military commissions, underscoring their unwavering loyalty to the Tokugawa regime until the . The Aizu-Matsudaira branch, into which Katamori was adopted in 1852, originated from Hoshina Masayuki (1611–1673), a natural son of the second Tokugawa , who was granted the in 1643 and permitted to use the Matsudaira surname, blending Tokugawa imperial lineage with the clan's samurai roots. Mythical extensions of the Minamoto lineage link the Matsudaira indirectly to , Japan's legendary first emperor, through the imperial descent of the from (850–880), a great-grandson of . However, verifiable historical records emphasize the clan's roles in the , where branches like Takasu and administered domains totaling tens of thousands of , contributing to the shogunate's stability through administrative and military service. Key ancestors in Setsuko's patrilineal line include:
  1. Setsuko Matsudaira (1909–1995) – Married into the imperial family.
  2. Tsuneo Matsudaira (1877–1949) – ; head of the Aizu-Matsudaira house post-Restoration.
  3. Katamori Matsudaira (1836–1893) – of ; adopted successor to the Aizu line.
  4. Yoshitatsu Matsudaira (1800–1862) – of Takasu; biological father of Katamori.
  5. Yoshinari Matsudaira (1776–1832) – 9th of Takasu Domain, predecessor and father of Yoshitatsu. ... (intermediate generations linking to Mikawa origins)
  6. Chikauji Matsudaira (d. 1393) – Founder of the Matsudaira name in Mikawa.
  7. Yoshisue Nitta (d. 1358) – whose line led to Chikauji after eight generations.
  8. Minamoto no Yoshishige (1135–1202) – of the Nitta branch, Kai Genji affiliate.

References

  1. https://brill.com/display/book/9789004212961/9789004212961_webready_content_text.pdf
  2. https://www.sidwell.edu/alumni/magazine/magazine-detail/~board/magazine/post/practice-what-you-teach
  3. https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/e-about/history/history12.html
  4. https://theunion.org/about-us/awards-and-honours/princess-chichibu-memorial-tb-global-award
  5. https://hojishinbun.hoover.org/?a=d&d=thi19950831-01.1.8
  6. https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Silver_Drum.html?id=-LdxAAAAMAAJ
  7. https://www2.gwu.edu/~erpapers/myday/index/person/erp-pn-nobuko.html
  8. https://tile.loc.gov/storage-services/master/gdc/gdcebookspublic/20/21/75/85/32/2021758532/2021758532.pdf
  9. https://2009-2017.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/94066.htm
  10. https://www.nytimes.com/1928/09/28/archives/japans-royal-heir-marries-commoner-prince-chichibu-emperors-brother.html
  11. https://www.nytimes.com/1928/04/30/archives/ambassador-matsudaira-of-japan-host-to-1000-in-honor-of-his.html
  12. https://hojishinbun.hoover.org/?a=d&d=nos19260519-01.1.1&l=en
  13. https://www2.gwu.edu/~erpapers/myday/displaydoc.cfm?_y=1953&_f=md002548
  14. https://www.nytimes.com/1928/12/04/archives/tokio-americans-told-of-romance-by-prince-chichibu-abandoning.html
  15. https://www.encyclopedia.com/women/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/chichibu-setsuko-1909-1995
  16. https://www.nytimes.com/1928/01/08/archives/choice-by-prince-delights-japanese-engagement-to-daughter-of-envoy.html
  17. https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/30545
  18. https://www.maryevans.com/contributors/sdz/matsudaira-setsuko-1928-48322422.html
  19. https://www.nytimes.com/1928/01/10/archives/chichibus-fiancee-to-qualify-in-rank-believes-miss-matsudaira-was.html
  20. https://www.oldtokyo.com/omote-cho-palace-of-prince-chichibu-akasaka-tokyo-c-1940/
  21. https://brill.com/display/book/9789004212961/B9789004212961-s001.pdf
  22. https://www.rmg.co.uk/collections/objects/rmgc-object-659582
  23. https://www.nytimes.com/1937/04/06/archives/prince-chichibu-arrives-here-today-brother-of-japans-emperor-and.html
  24. https://nikkeivoice.ca/treasures-from-the-nikkei-national-museum-prince-chichibus-visit-to-canada-2/
  25. https://www.jaaf.or.jp/english/about/chronicle/
  26. https://royalwatcherblog.com/2019/09/09/princess-chichibu/
  27. https://jata.or.jp/english/outline/history/
  28. https://japan-forward.com/japans-imperial-family-and-britains-royals-a-tradition-of-friendship-and-understanding/
  29. https://regularroyalqueens.wordpress.com/2023/11/28/princess-chichibu-the-imperial-bridge-to-the-anglosphere/
  30. https://www.britishpathe.com/asset/177817/
  31. https://jssj.jp/about-us/
  32. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/17302170/setsuko-chichibu
  33. https://hojishinbun.hoover.org/?a=d&d=thi19950902-01.1.8
  34. https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/crown-prince-naruhito-crown-princess-masako-and-royal-news-photo/700956594
  35. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/17302158/yasuhito-chichibu
  36. https://www.japansociety.org.uk/review?review=234
  37. https://www.nippon.com/en/in-depth/d00772/
  38. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2005/01/16/books/book-reviews/bridge-between-japan-and-britain/
  39. http://theunion.org/sites/default/files/2020-09/Outline-of-Princess-Chichibu-Memorial-TB-Global-Award.pdf
  40. https://www8.cao.go.jp/shokun/en/orders-of-the-precious-crown.html
  41. https://www.nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=prre19780908-01.1.11
  42. https://theunion.org/sites/default/files/2020-09/Outline-of-Princess-Chichibu-Memorial-TB-Global-Award.pdf
  43. https://www.jatahq.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/939713db0c77f5c0605f6b2d3ee3296a.pdf
  44. https://www.ndl.go.jp/portrait/e/datas/6505/
  45. https://books.google.com/books/about/Prince_and_Princess_Chichibu.html?id=QfV5DwAAQBAJ
  46. https://www.geni.com/people/Tsuneo-Matsudaira/6000000012570820989
  47. https://jref.com/articles/matsudaira-katamori-1836-1893.643/
  48. https://budojapan.com/feature-articles/matsudaira-katamori/
  49. https://www.kcpinternational.com/2019/03/tokugawa-clan-japan/
  50. https://thejapanbox.com/blogs/japanese-clans/tokugawa-clan
  51. https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Tokugawa_clan
  52. https://lightinthecloudsblog.com/2021/03/23/the-genealogy-of-tokugawa-ieyasu-the-advantages-when-claiming-power/
  53. https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/ieyasu_tokugawa.shtml
  54. https://samurai-city.jp/en/history/2097
  55. https://jref.com/articles/matsudaira-clan.642/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.