The imperial family confirmed its first case of coronavirus infection Tuesday, with 38-year-old Princess Yoko hospitalized.
The princess, the younger daughter of the late Prince Tomohito of Mikasa, a cousin of former Emperor Akihito, complained of a sore throat Monday and tested positive for the virus on Tuesday, the Imperial Household Agency said. She was admitted to a hospital inside the Imperial Palace.
Her sister, Princess Akiko, 40, will also be tested. The two met several days ago, the agency said.
Princess Yoko has not attended any gathering involving food and drinks recently, and the infection route remains unknown, the agency added. But she was one of the participants in a ceremony to commemorate a late emperor at the palace on Jan. 30.
No infection has been confirmed among her staff, and none have reported feeling sick, according to the agency.
Princess Yoko serves as the head of Tokyo-based social welfare corporation Yuai Jujikai, as well as the honorary president of Japan Universal Sound Design Association, a nonprofit organization that helps people with hearing loss.