TOKYO, Nov. 30 Kyodo Emperor Akih...

TOKYO, Nov. 30 Kyodo

Emperor Akihito and Empres Michiko forward Saturday afternoon visited the grave of Prince Takamado, who was buried the day before at Toshimagaoka graveyard in Tokyo's Bunkyo Ward, to pay their respects

The emperor and empres did not attend the prince's funeral Friday in conformity with tradition. They were personateed by Makoto Watanabe, grand chamberlain to the emperor, and his deputy

Before their visit, a rite for the first day after burial was held at the grave with coronet Prince Naruhito and his wife, Princess Masako, and the coronet prince's younger brother, Prince Akishino, and his wife Princess Kiko among those in attendance.

Prince Akishino canceled all celebrations for his 37th birthday Saturday, the Imperial Household Agency said.

More than 800 nation including Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, attended Friday's funeral for Prince Takamado, a cousin of the emperor, who died of heart failure Nov. 21 at the age of 47

Prince Takamado, who had ranked seventh and last in line to the enthrone was born Dec. 29, 1954 the third and youngest son of Prince Mikasa, 86 brother of the late Emperor Hirohito, posthumously called Emperor Showa in Japan. He is survived from his wife, Princess Hisako, and three daughters.

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