A notable moment in Japan’s imperial history took place when Princess Nobuko became the head of her own independent branch of the Imperial Family.
On September 30, 2025, Japan’s Imperial House Economy Council approved the establishment of a separate household for Princess Nobuko, widow of the late Prince Tomohito of Mikasa. The decision increased the number of imperial branch families from four to five and marked the first creation of a new branch since the Akishino family was established in 1990.
What makes the development especially notable for Christians is Princess Nobuko’s background. Born into the prominent Asō family, she was baptized Catholic before marrying into Japan’s Imperial Family in 1980.
Japan’s Imperial Family has longstanding ties to Shinto traditions, while Christianity remains a minority faith in the country.
For Catholics, Princess Nobuko’s position is therefore a remarkable chapter in a country where Christianity has endured centuries of persecution, hidden worship and martyrdom.
A baptized Catholic now stands at the head of her own household within one of the world’s oldest hereditary monarchies.
