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Princess Mako (R), the eldest daughter of Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko, and her fiancee Kei Komuro (L), smile during a press conference to announce their engagement at the Akasaka East Residence in Tokyo on September 3, 2017. Emperor Akihito’s eldest granddaughter Princess Mako and her fiance — a commoner — announced their engagement on September 3, which will cost the princess her royal status in a move that highlights the male-dominated nature of Japan’s monarchy. / AFP PHOTO / POOL / Shizuo KambayashiSHIZUO KAMBAYASHI/AFP/Getty ImagesJapanese Emperor Akihito’s oldest grandchild, Princess Mako, has said she is getting married to a university classmate who won her heart with bright smiles and sincerity.
Mako and fiance Kei Komuro, both 25, said at a news conference that their relationship started when the princess sat behind him at a campus meeting five years ago at Tokyo’s International Christian University, where they graduated.
First I was attracted by his bright smiles like the sun, Mako said, smiling shyly. They talked for the first time at the event for students ahead of a study-abroad program, and then started dating.
Over time, she said she learned he is a sincere, strong-minded, hard worker, and he has a big heart, Mako said.
The couple had a long-distance relationship while studying overseas. Mako in Britain and Komuro in the US for one year. Then Komuro proposed to her after dinner in December 2013.
Imperial Princess Mako gives up royal title
Mako has since introduced him to her parents, Prince Akishino, second in line to the Chrysanthemum throne, and Princess Kiko, as someone she wished to share her future with.
Komuro said he was so thankful and happy to have been accepted by her parents, and her grandparents, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. Komuro, a legal assistant who loves playing jazz piano, pledged to have a relaxed and peaceful home together.
Having a family still goes beyond my imagination, but I hope to make one that is warm, comfortable and filled with smiles, Mako said.
Details of their wedding have not been decided, and palace officials say the ceremony is expected sometime around autumn next year after a series of rituals, including one that authorizes the engagement.
The happy news is not necessarily good news for the future of a royal family facing concerns about a declining population to keep their 2,000-year-old bloodline going.
Women aren’t allowed to succeed Japan’s throne. Mako will lose her royal status after marrying Komuro, who is a commoner.
Those who are concerned about the future of the royal family want to allow women to succeed the throne and others to keep their royal status so they can keep performing public duties, but a government panel on the emperor’s abdication avoided the divisive issue.
Source:NewsNow
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