Incidentally, the emperor had given permission for the marriage. His brother, the crown prince and father of Mako, previously said the marriage could go ahead if the Japanese people supported it. Several surveys conducted by both left-wing and right-wing media showed that a section of the public was not behind it.
He eventually approved it anyway, but since Komuro is a civilian, Mako had to give up her imperial status. That is what all women of the Imperial House must do when they marry a civilian. She couldn’t claim the throne anyway because she’s a woman. After the crown prince, his son, Mako’s younger brother, is next in line for succession.
Since noble families have been abolished in Japan, members of the imperial house marry people from the bourgeoisie. These are usually people of good descent and of impeccable behavior.
sober marriage
The couple moves to New York. Now that Mako is no longer a princess, she takes her husband’s last name. It is her first surname because female members of the Japanese Imperial Family only have a title and a first name.
Mako and Komuro got engaged in 2017. The wedding was actually already planned in 2018. But due to a financial dispute between Komuro’s mother and ex-stepfather, that was postponed. Part of the population was afraid that these financial problems would be brushed away via the tax system. Mako was entitled to a dowry of about 1.1 million euros. She refused it.
Because of all the commotion, the wedding was kept sober. There were no ceremonies and there were no foreign ones royals present. The wedding was held behind closed doors in the town hall, without any festivities.
Press conference
In a press conference, Mako apologized for “the problems her marriage caused”. She understands that people have different opinions about it. She went on to say that false stories are circulating and that they caused her stress and grief. Earlier, the Japanese court announced that Mako suffers from PTSD because of the commotion.
Komuro also apologized, but said he loves Mako and would support her all his life.
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