History New head of Tokugawa clan to be instated

On Jan. 1, writer and critic Iehiro Tokugawa, 57, was named 19th head of the household, making him the first new holder of the title in 60 years. His formal inauguration to the title will be held at Zojoji temple in the Shiba district of Tokyo's Minato Ward, which is home to the family's mausoleum. The development comes as Japan Broadcasting Corp. (NHK) airs a history drama titled "Dosuru Ieyasu" (The way of Ieyasu) based on the story of the clan's founder, Ieyasu (1542-1616).

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Following the end of World War II, Tsunenari served as the 18th head for six decades. But when he reached the age of 82, he decided to step aside. In November of last year, Iehiro embarked on pilgrimages to the Kunozan Toshogu shrine in Shizuoka Prefecture, Nikko Toshogu shrine in Tochigi Prefecture and other facilities dedicated to Ieyasu to hold Shinto and Buddhist rituals to "report" to his ancestors that he was the new head of the family. A key mission for the clan is to pass down to posterity historically significant records and assets the Tokugawa family owns. The Tokugawa Memorial Foundation, which was set up by Tsunenari in 2003, aimed to open those properties and display precious artifacts to the public.

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