The was one of the four shinnà Âke, branches of the Imperial Family of Japan which were eligible to succeed to the Chrysanthemum Throne in the event that the main line should die out. It was founded by Prince Toshihito, a grandson of Emperor à Âgimachi and brother of Emperor Go-Yà Âzei. It is the second oldest of the shinnà Âke, after the Fushimi-no-miya.
The Katsura-no-miya house has died out several times, and has undergone a number of changes in name. It was originally titled Hachijà Â-no-miya. Prince Hachijà Â-no-miya Toshihito lived at the Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto, hence he and all of his lineage are referred to as Katsura-no-miya.
Prince Yoshihito of Mikasa, the second son of Prince Mikasa received the title Katsura-no-miya in 1988. However, this title is connected to his , Katsura (Cercidiphyllum) and thus is not related to the shinnà Âke title.
Unless otherwise stated, all Princes listed here are the sons of their predecessors.