Princess Yuriko of Mikasa has been in declining health at St. Luke's International Hospital in Tokyo.

Imperial Household Agency officials said tests showed that functions of her whole body, including the heart and kidneys, were declining.

The officials said the princess opened her eyes when visitors talked to her on November 10.

Visitors included her granddaughter Princess Akiko and her daughter-in-law Princess Hisako of Takamado.

Yuriko, who turned 101 years old in June this year, is the oldest living member of Japan’s imperial family.

She has been undergoing treatment since being hospitalized in March for cerebral infarction and aspiration pneumonia.

Yuriko is the widow of Prince Takahito of Mikasa, who lived until age 100.

She is Emperor Naruhito's great-aunt.