By Elaine Lies

TOKYO, Reuters – Japan’s Princess Mako is set to marry a man of common descent on Tuesday. This follows a three year engagement that was marred by scandalous media speculation and media speculation. The 29-year old niece of the emperor has been left with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

After she marries Kei Komuro (a Japanese law graduate aged 30), she will become an everyday citizen. She lives in New York in compliance with the laws that mandate female imperial family members give up their royal status.

The Tuesday ceremony will consist mainly of filing paperwork and then holding a press conference. Although marrying in Japan is not unusual, it isn’t common to do so out of the grace of royalty. Mako refused to accept the $1.3million payment that was normally given for women who have left the family.

A first-class engagement was greeted enthusiastically by Japanese citizens. But, the trouble began when tabloids published a report about Komuro’s mother’s money scandal. The press turned against Komuro.

The Imperial Household Agency (IHA), the agency that runs the family’s life, didn’t provide any clear explanations. It was therefore reported by mainstream press. They are notoriously strict in their royal reporting.

Hideya Kasaishi, an associate professor from Nagoya University said that although the British royals were very clear in explaining things, it was ultimately unclear.

It began in quiet 2017 with the announcement of their engagement by college sweethearts.

Mako shared the love they had with their nation at a news conference. “I’ll feel happy if it makes a warm, comfortable family full smiles,” Mako stated.

However, just months later the tabloids covered a financial dispute between Komuro’s mother, and her ex-fiancee, where the man claimed Komuro and his mother hadn’t paid a $35,000. Komuro claims that the money was a gift and not a loan. Komuro issued a 24 page explanation in 2021 and stated that he would settle the matter.

In February 2018, Komuro left for Fordham University’s law school to begin preparations for marriage. The date was moved up to 2020. Komuro went to Fordham University’s Law School six months later. He would return three years later.

Akinori Takamori, who is a professor at Kokugakuin University, Tokyo, stated that “The royal family must exist free from any troubles related to money, politics, or the economy.”

“Morally, the Japanese people desire them to have impeccable character.”

Mako’s father, Crown Prince Akishino, stated at a 2018 news conference that the financial problem was preventing Mako from marrying. He also said that he and Mako “don’t talk that much lately.”

Mako had issued a statement in November 2020 in which Mako stated that marriage was “a choice necessary”. He reluctantly agreed to it.

“UNBLESSED MARIAGES”

Komuro was a Fordham graduate, and he worked as an intern at a New York-based law firm. His casual ponytail caused controversy as it was considered “disrespectful”.

Mako visited Mako earlier in the week wearing a dark suit with ties and ponytail shorn. He arrived late because of traffic jams, tabloids claimed.

Mako, who was married on Tuesday and has never been issued a passport nor had a surname, is now ready to relocate to New York.

Their story is often compared to Prince Harry of England and Meghan Markle who both resigned as senior royals and moved to America in 2020. Takamori however emphasized the important differences.

Mako cannot stay in Japan as there’s no place for Komuro. They haven’t fallen out with each other.

Opinion polls reveal mixed feelings among ordinary Japanese.

Yoshinori OKabe (63), said that he was a father of three daughters and it would be difficult for him to recognize a unblessed union.

Chiaki Kadota (29), said that it was private and she thought it better to let them be.