Nashimoto Itsuko

Itsuko Nashimoto (梨本 伊都子, February 2, 1882 - August 19, 1976) was a former Japanese imperial family member. She was the wife of Prince Morimasa Nashimoto and the daughter of Marquis Naohiro Nabeshima

Early life Itsuko was born on February 2, 1882, in Rome, Italy, as the second daughter of Naohiro Nabeshima,

On October 14, 1947, Itsuko Nashimoto left the imperial family Following her departure, she officially adopted the name Itsuko Nashimoto (梨本 伊都子). Despite losing her royal status, she maintained her dignity as a former imperial family member and was often referred to as "the last noblewoman." However, she faced financial difficulties, having to sell her villa, personal belongings, and parts of her main residence to pay heavy property taxes.

On 2 January 1951, Itsuko's husband Prince Morimasa Nashimoto died of a heart attack.

Later life In 1958, she strongly opposed the "", a public frenzy surrounding the engagement of Crown Prince Akihito and Michiko Shoda, alongside her sister Nobuko Matsudaira, her niece Princess Chichibu, and Empress Kōjun. In her diary entry on November 27, 1958, she expressed anger and disappointment, writing that the engagement filled the day with frustration and lamenting that Japan was doomed. However, after Emperor Shōwa expressed his approval of the marriage, she refrained from further public criticism.

In her later years, she enjoyed kabuki performances and gatherings of the , the alumna association of noblewomen who graduated from the middle school division of Gakushūin. She lived on the widow's pension of her late husband, Prince Morimasa, who had served as an army general.

On August 19, 1976, she died at the age of 94 due to complications following breast cancer surgery.