A funeral service for Prince Takamado, who died on Nov. 21, was held Friday at Toshimagaoka Cemetery in Tokyo's Bunkyo Ward with members of the Imperial family and the political world, including Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, in attendance.

The funeral, a Shinto memorial service known as "Renso-no-gi," began in the morning with the offering of fruit and other food as well as clothing, followed by a eulogy for the prince, who died of heart failure at age 47 after collapsing while playing squash at the Canadian Embassy.

The late prince's wife, Princess Hisako, their three daughters, and Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako were among those who paid their respects at the prince's altar.