By Elaine Lies

TOKYO, Reuters – Japan’s Princess Mako has wed her college sweetheart and is leaving the royal family. The couple had been engaged for over a decade. She has suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder since then.

Mako and Kei Komuro (both 30), announced their engagement four year ago. The move was initially praised by the nation. However, things quickly went sour when the tabloids published a story about a money scandal that Komuro’s mom was involved in. This led to him being criticized by the press. His marriage was delayed and he fled Japan to pursue law school in New York. He returned home in September 2018.

The marriage was conducted by an Imperial Household Agency official (IHA), who runs their family’s life and submits paperwork in the morning to a local office. This foregoes the many rituals and ceremonies associated with royal weddings including the reception.

Mako was also denied a payment of $1.3million, which is usually made to queens who wed commoners and became ordinary citizens in Japan.

A television footage of Mako wearing pastel and pearls as she said goodbye to her family and 26-yearold sister Kako at their house’s entrance showed Mako. Although all of the girls wore masks according to Japan’s coronavirus protocol for protection, Mako could be seen blinking fast as she tried to keep her tears from running down her face.

Mako bowed to her family, but her sister grabbed her shoulder and they shared an extended embrace.

Mako, her new husband, will be holding a news conference that will go against the grain. The royals are known to answer questions submitted before such events. However, Mako and her husband will instead make a short statement and give written responses.

According to NHK, officials from the IHA said that some questions took incorrect information and upset Princess Diana.

Komuro, in a sharp dark suit and tie as he left his house in the morning, bow briefly before these camera crews but says nothing. The tabloids were stunned by Komuro’s casual, relaxed return to Japan. His long, wavy hair was pulled back into a ponytail.

MONEY SCANDAL

The tabloids published a report about a dispute between Komuro and Komuro’s mother. Komuro claimed that Komuro and her ex-fiance had failed to repay a $35,000.

Following a lack of explanation from the IHA, news media picked up on this scandal. Komuro released a 24 page statement in 2021 about the issue and said that he would settle.

The Japanese public is divided on the issue of marriage according to polls. At least one protest has occurred.

Analysts believe the problem lies in the way the imperial family has been so idealized that they don’t need to have any trouble dealing with politics or money.

Hideyakawanishi, associate professor of history, Nagoya University, stated that Mako’s father, Hisahito (his younger brother), is both in the line for succession after Emperor Naruhito. Hisahito’s daughter cannot inherit.

Kawanishi said that although they will both become private citizens Mako’s younger brother, Mako, who is also an emperor one day, some believe anyone with Mako’s problems (Komuro), shouldn’t marry her.”

Mako and the groom will reside in New York. Mako will stay in Tokyo, but Mako will move to New York after the marriage. Mako needs time in Tokyo to plan for her new life, which includes applying for her first passport.