However, in 1638, Akenomiya was adopted by Kazuko TOKUGAWA (Tofukumonin), Chugu (the second consort of an emperor) (at that time Nyoin (a close female relative of the Emperor of comparable standing)) of her father and was proclaimed Imperial Princess with the given name of Imperial Princess Teruko.
1638年（寛永15年）に父帝の中宮（当時は女院）徳川和子（東福門院）の養女となり、内親王宣下を受け光子内親王の忌み名を賜った。