Author: Yamaguchi Mari
Associated Press
On September 3, at a press conference held at the East House of Akasaka, Tokyo, Princess Mako of Japan (right), the eldest daughter of Prince Akishomiya and Princess Kiko, and her fiance Kei Komuro looked at each other. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi, swimming pool)
Tokyo (Associated Press)-Princess Mako of Japan quietly married a commoner without a traditional wedding celebration on October 26, and stated that their marriage-was postponed for three years and met with opposition from some people-” It is a necessary choice to live while cherishing our hearts.”
His marriage to Kei Komuro made Mako lose his royal status. She got her husband’s last name-this was the first time she had a last name. Since the law stipulates that each married couple can only use one surname, most Japanese women must give up their surnames when they get married.
The palace hall stated that the couple’s marriage document was submitted by court officials on October 26 and became effective. The couple did not have a wedding reception or other wedding ceremony. The agency admits that many people do not welcome their marriage.
“For me, Qi Sang is a priceless treasure. For us, our marriage is a necessary choice in life while cherishing our hearts,” Mako said at a TV news conference, using when talking about her husband Honorific.
Komuro replied: “I love Mako. I only live once, and I want to spend it with the person I love.” He said that he hopes to be with Mako, share feelings and encourage each other in happy and difficult times.
He said: “I hope to have a warm family with Mako, and I will continue to do everything I can to support her.”
Court officials said Mako had earlier rejected the 140 million yen ($1.23 million) payment for her right to leave the royal family. She was the first member of the royal family to not receive this payment since World War II, and chose to do so because of criticism of her marriage.
Mako, who turned 30 three days before marriage, is the niece of Emperor Naruhito.
She and Xiaomuro are classmates of Tokyo International Christian University. They announced in September 2017 that they planned to get married the following year, but two months later, an economic dispute involving his mother surfaced and the wedding was suspended.
Mako left the palace on October 26 wearing a light blue dress and holding a bouquet. She bowed to her parents, Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko, and sister Kako outside the house, and the sisters hugged each other.
The couple did not answer questions at the press conference because Mako expressed anxiety about responding in person. Instead, they provided written answers to questions raised in advance by the media, including questions about his mother’s financial issues.
Mako is recovering from what the court doctor said is a traumatic stress disorder, which she developed after seeing negative reports about their marriage in the media, especially the attack on Komuro.
Mako said in a written answer to one of the questions: “We are shocked, scared and sad…because false information has been regarded as fact, and unfounded stories have spread.”
The dispute concerns whether the money his mother received from her former fiancé is a loan or a gift. Mako’s father asked Xiaoshi to clarify and wrote a statement to defend himself, but it is not clear whether the dispute has been completely resolved.
Komuro, 30, went to New York in 2018 to study law and only returned to Japan last month. At that time, his hair was tied into a ponytail. This look attracted people’s attention because it was a bold statement, because someone married a princess in a royal family bound by tradition, which would only increase criticism.
The couple will move to New York to start a new life together.
Many people in Tokyo wish them luck.
“Congratulations,” said Yasuhiro Suzuki, an office worker. “I hope the American people will welcome them.”
The retiree Kenko Suzuki said that he expects life in New York to be full of challenges because they will have to live without anyone taking care of them. “So I support them,” he said.
Mako said: “Starting a new life will encounter various difficulties, but we will go on together as we did in the past,” Mako said, thanking everyone who supported them.
Mako obviously refers to mental health problems. He pointed out that “many people encounter difficulties and injuries when trying to protect their hearts.” She said: “I sincerely hope that our society can be a warm help for more people. A place to live and protect your soul with support.”
Mako is not the only female royal whose mental health has been attacked inside and outside the palace.
Her grandmother, the wife of the former Emperor Akihito, and the first commoner in modern history to marry a monarch, Empress Michiko collapsed in 1993 and temporarily lost her voice after continued negative reports.
Empress Masako, a former diplomat who was educated at Harvard, has suffered from stress-induced mental illness for nearly 20 years, partly because she has been criticized for not having a male heir.
Some critics say that Mako’s marriage highlights the difficulties faced by Japanese imperial women.
Mako’s loss of royal status comes from the Royal Family Law, which only allows men to inherit.
Only male royals have household names, while female royals only have titles. If they marry a commoner, they must leave.
The only inheritance for men was to leave Akishomiya and his son Prince Kuhito to succeed Emperor Naruhito. A government-appointed panel of experts is discussing a more stable inheritance system, but conservatives still reject female inheritance and allow women to lead the royal family.
