Health Issues and Death
The Prince was first diagnosed with cancer in 1991, but later went into remission. He was diagnosed with cancer of the larynx in 2003, and immediately began treatment for it. In September 2006, he fractured his jaw, which had been weakened by his chemotherapy treatments. In 2007, the Prince made a public announcement that he was suffering from alcoholism, and was undergoing treatments at the Imperial Household Agency hospital. In March 2008, his cancer spread to his pharynx, and he underwent surgery. Although attempts were made to save his voice, he subsequently suffered from pneumonia caused by his inability to properly swallow food, and was thereafter only able to speak with the aid of a mechanical larynx.
On 6 June 2012, the Prince died from multiple organ failure at a Tokyo hospital, aged 66. He had been hospitalized for some time, as a result of his multiple cancer diagnosis. Around 660 people attended a funeral in Tokyo for Prince Tomohito. The ceremony, called "Renso no Gi," was held at the Toshimagaoka Imperial Cemetery in Bunkyo Ward. It was hosted by his oldest daughter, Princess Akiko. Attendees included his second daughter, Princess Yōko, Crown Prince Naruhito, Crown Princess Masako and other members of the Imperial Family, as well as Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda.
Read more about this topic: Prince Tomohito Of Mikasa
Famous quotes containing the words health, issues and/or death:
“My long sickness
Of health and living now begins to mend,
And nothing brings me all things.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
“To make life more bearable and pleasant for everybody, choose the issues that are significant enough to fight over, and ignore or use distraction for those you can let slide that day. Picking your battles will eliminate a number of conflicts, and yet will still leave you feeling in control.”
—Lawrence Balter (20th century)
“I could lie down like a tired child,
And weep away the life of care
Which I have borne and yet must bear,
Till death like sleep might steal on me,”
—Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792–1822)