Yasuhito Chichibu

Prince Chichibu (1902-1953), whose personal name was Yasuhito, was the next younger of Emperor Hirohito's four brothers.

He was a graduate of the Japanese Military Academy who also studied at Oxford University, who had achieved the rank of colonel of infantry by 1940. Chichibu was considered sympathetic to reform movements, although there is no real evidence he actually participated in plots such as the February 26, 1936 Incident.

During the Incident, he was known to have been monitoring the situation closely, and the plotters felt they had encouraged them. He had long been sympathetic with the Imperial Way Faction, and had clashed with Hirohito about it for ten years. Joined by other princes, two decisions were made: have Prince Kanin come to Tokyo and stand in support of Hirohito. Chichibu also sent a personal note to the highest-ranking rebel, asking him, as a personal favor, to withdraw. That individual, Captain Nonaka, shot himself the next day.

He was gregarious and social, both in upper society and towards young military officers.

"Prince Chichibu was an active promoter of international goodwill, serving in such positions as Honorary President of both the Japan-British Society and the Swedish Society of Japan. Prince Chichibu was also widely renowned among the people of Japan as the "sporting Prince" due to his efforts to promote skiing, rugby and other sports.