“Ever wondered about the evolving meaning of Tōgū Palace?” The name itself whispers of history. It doesn’t point to one fixed building. Instead it signifies the residence of Japan’s crown prince. This intriguing title has shifted locations throughout time. Think of it as a floating title attached to the heir to the Chrysanthemum Throne. Currently there is no Tōgū Palace. Prince Akishino the current heir presumptive is not a direct male descendant of the Emperor. He’s not an imperial crown prince. A Tōgū Palace will only reappear with a future imperial crown prince.
Before 2019 however the Akasaka Palace served as Tōgū Palace. Crown Prince Naruhito resided there. When he ascended the throne in May 2019 the name changed to Akasaka Palace. This grand building continued to serve as his primary residence until a move to the Fukiage Palace within the Imperial Palace in September 2021. Emperor Akihito also lived in this same palace. From 1989 until December 1993 this building was his Akasaka Palace.
The Akasaka Palace has a fascinating history. Its site was once home to the Ōmiya Palace residence of Empress Teimei. Empress Teimei was the consort of Emperor Taishō. Following her death in 1951 the site was transformed. It became the crown prince’s residence. The current Akasaka Palace building stands as a testament to architectural evolution. It was constructed in 1960. The reinforced concrete structure was a design by Yoshirō Taniguchi. It’s undergone numerous expansion projects. A Japanese garden was added in 1994. Later modifications included wheelchair accessibility and seismic reinforcement. The addition of a children’s area in 2001 reflects the birth of Princess Aiko. Major renovation work lasting a year took place in 2008-2009. The prince temporarily lived in a smaller structure renamed Temporary Tōgū Palace for that period. Even sustainable features like solar panels and LED lighting were integrated. The palace boasts 72 rooms a mix of reception offices and residences.
Throughout history many palaces have held the title Tōgū Palace. In the Heian Palace the Tōgū Palace stood on the east side of the Dairi. Later around the 10th century the Shōyōsha within the Dairi served this purpose. Prince Asahito used a different palace as his Tōgū Palace starting in 1686. His Tōgū Palace was situated where the Kyōto Sentō Palace is today. Then Ohana Palace inside the Kyōto Imperial Palace held the title. Yoshihito’s Tōgū Palace constructed between 1899 and 1909 is now the Geihinkan. In Hirohito’s early years the Takanawa Residence served briefly as Tōgū Palace.
Thus the name Tōgū Palace although deeply rooted in Japanese history is more a title reflecting the current imperial crown prince’s residence than a specific building. The legacy of the past Tōgū Palaces lives on in various forms including the current Akasaka Palace. They offer glimpses into the lives and evolving needs of Japan’s imperial family. This palace’s story is a reminder of the constant change and growth within the context of tradition.