Emperor Akihito, Empress Michiko and other Imperial family members paid their respects Friday morning at the residence of Prince Takamado, the Emperor's cousin, who died of heart failure the previous night. He was 47.
The Emperor and Empress spent about 20 minutes offering their condolences to the prince's widow, 49-year-old Princess Hisako, and three daughters -- Princesses Tsuguko, 16, Noriko, 14, and Ayako, 12 -- before returning to the Imperial Palace.
Crown Prince Naruhito and his wife, Princess Masako, as well as Princess Nori, daughter of the Emperor and Empress, also called on the prince's family.