[2] She found life within the palace extremely restrictive, but did not oppose the rules, stating "I used to think what's the use of making a fuss, since I can't change things any way".

Princess Takako graduated from Gakushuin University Women's College with a degree in English literature in March 1957.

They married in a Tokyo restaurant in a ceremony attended by her parents and brother, Emperor Hirohito, Empress Nagako, and Akihito.

Hisanaga Shimazu pursued a thirty-year career with JEXIM, including postings to Washington, D.C. in the United States and Sydney, Australia accompanied by Takako who mostly functioned as a housewife during their stays abroad.

The former princess has made numerous appearances on Japanese television as a commentator on world events and as a guest on radio disk jockey programs.