Translation guide
In Japanese, the term for 'imperial princess' depends on the princess's relationship to the emperor and whether she is married. The most common terms are 内親王 (naishinnō) for an unmarried daughter or granddaughter of an emperor, and 女王 (joō) for a more distant female relative. After marriage, a princess loses her title and becomes a commoner.
To refer to an imperial princess who is an unmarried daughter or granddaughter of the current or a previous emperor.
The formal title for an unmarried daughter or granddaughter of an emperor. This is the most direct equivalent to 'imperial princess' in this context.
Princess Aiko, the Princess Toshi, is the eldest daughter of His Majesty the Emperor.
A general term for a daughter of an emperor, often used in historical contexts or when the specific title is not needed.
That imperial princess was born in the Heian period.
To refer to an imperial princess who is a more distant unmarried female relative of the emperor (e.g., great-granddaughter).
The title for an unmarried female member of the imperial family who is a great-granddaughter or more distant descendant of an emperor. Note that this word can also mean 'queen' in other contexts.
Princess Akiko is the eldest daughter of Prince Tomohito.
To refer to a woman who was an imperial princess before marriage, but lost her title upon marrying a commoner.
Under current Japanese law, a princess loses her imperial status upon marriage. She is then referred to by her married name or sometimes by her former title in historical contexts. There is no specific title for a married former princess.
After marriage, Mako Komuro left the imperial family.
To refer to an imperial princess in historical or literary works, where various terms may be used.
The word 王女 (おうじょ) means 'princess' in the context of a king's daughter, not an emperor's daughter. Japan has an emperor, not a king, so 王女 is incorrect for Japanese imperial princesses.
Under the Imperial Household Law, female members of the imperial family lose their titles upon marriage to a commoner. They are then addressed by their husband's surname, e.g., 小室眞子さん (Mako Komuro).
Also used historically for unmarried daughters/granddaughters of emperors.
Imperial princesses in the Heian period played important political roles.