[6] Later on the couple and their first child were forced to live in a shelter after their residence was incinerated in the US fire bombings of Tokyo in 1945.

[7] Yuriko described the atmosphere during the final months of the war as "very frightening" with "heated arguments and tension, as if bullets were about to fly".

[11][13] Princess Mikasa was the honorary president of various charitable organizations, especially those concerned with the preservation of traditional Japanese culture.

She had attended several formal occasions in Tokyo as well as other parts of Japan associated with charities concerned with mother and child health issues.

[23] In early March 2024, the princess was hospitalised at St. Luke's International Hospital due to a mild cerebral infarction and stroke;[24][25] on 11 March, she was transferred from the intensive care unit to the general ward, as a sign that she was recovering, even if she was unable to eat, but started drinking water.

[26][27] On 18 March, it was announced by the Imperial Household Agency that she experienced symptoms of heart failure and cerebral infarction again, and it was difficult for her to move her right arm and leg: thus, she continued to be treated at St. Luke's International Hospital.

[28][29] On 25 March, it was announced that her symptoms of heart failure and cerebral infarction significantly improved (to a level close to when she was first transferred to the general ward of the hospital) and she would begin to do rehabilitation.

[44] On 14 November, the Imperial Household Agency's grand steward, Yasuhiko Nishimura [ja], reported that Yuriko was losing consciousness.

[45] On 15 November 2024, at 6:32 am (JST), Princess Mikasa died at St. Luke's International Hospital in Tokyo, aged 101.

[56] On 16 November, her private rites were held at the Mikasa estate with all members of the imperial family in attendance.

[58][59] Her wake at her Minato Ward residence began on 24 November and concluded on 25 November, with members of the Japanese imperial family, including Crown Prince Fumihito, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Aiko, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and his cabinet in attendance.

[59][58][60][61] Yuriko's funeral was held at Toshimagaoka Cemetery in Tokyo's Bunkyo Ward on 26 November 2024, with 481 people in attendance.