Prince Katsura, a cousin of Emperor Akihito and sixth in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne, died at a Tokyo hospital at 10:55 a.m. June 8, the Imperial Household Agency said the same day. He was 66.
The prince had been rushed to University of Tokyo Hospital earlier that day, but died of acute heart failure, the agency said. The death of the prince, who was not married and had no children, brings an end to his household.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in a statement that he was "saddened" by the death. (Kyodo)
天皇陛下のいとこの桂宮さまが、6月8日午前10時55分に急性心不全のため逝去された。66歳だった。
The Japan Times ST: June 20, 2014