The red robe was also worn to worship at the Three Palace Sanctuaries last week. From the
Asahi article: "wearing a red outer garment called “kouchiki,” which has been worn by high-ranking court ladies since the Heian Period (794-1185)"
Maybe Kei's not used to traditional clothes whereas Kunimaro Senge is heir to Izumo Shrine so it would have been odder to wear Western garb. Several of Emperor Showa's sons-in-law wore morning suits.
Princess Kazuko and Nobusuke Takatsukasa
Princess Atsuko and Takamasa Ikeda
Princess Takako and Hisanaga Shimazu
Q&A with reporters from
fnn.jp
Q. About family members
Moriya: I have been raised over 30 years, especially when my family supported me during hardships. Thinking back, I am full of gratitude. In the future I would like to spend our days as a good couple. I think my mother is also pleased so I would like to ask her to please watch over me in the future.
Ayako: It's been 28 years since my happy birth. I am glad to show you happiness while my grandmothers are healthy. My feelings towards my family do not change when married. We would like to cooperate with ourselves so that our families can keep watching with affection as ever. I am sorry my father is not here but he is surely pleased with my marriage and I want to tell you that I will make efforts to become a couple like my mother and father.
Q: About the ring
Ayako: It is not that I bought to show people (laugh)
Q: About costumes (clothing)
Moriya: I have heard of such costumes; I thought it was very beautiful because it was my first time to see it.
Ayako: (he's) tailored for today…and (top hat Moriya carried), I'm very happy because I lent items from my father. I was nervous but I was thrilled to see how he looked. I look forward to Takamado-no-miya for good services in the future. (laugh) [this refers to Princess Hisako's introduction]
Some expectations for the wedding party from
fnn.jp analysts
- About 60 guests including Crown Prince couple, Akishino couple, Princess Mako and members of three branches of government.
- Crown Prince Naruhito will toast the couple
- French cuisine
- Gift box (bonbonniere) should have Ayako’s emblem (Kudzu)
- No wedding cake
Ayako's dress is expected to be pink silk with white lace and has special meaning for both families. Kei's mother Kimie, who supported developing countries, gave Princess Hisako pink silk made by Cambodian women. This is the silk used for Ayako's dress instead of the customary Japanese silk.
Sankei report about Princess Hisako. Mother and 3 daughters have strong bonds these 16 years since Prince Takamado's passing. Ayako has supported her mother in public and private. After Ayako's engagement was announced, Hisako responded with "One more to go" to an congratulatory email sent from an acquaintance.
From the email, the acquaintance felt Princess Hisako's joy and sense of responsibility to send out the 3 princesses properly.
The chairman of the Japan-Canada Society praised Ayako.
During the lead up to the wedding, Ayako showed her consideration for her mother. At the October 2nd exhibition of Princess Hisako's Netsuke photographs, Ayako was the center of attention yet she constantly positioned herself away until urged to stand by her mother by others.
Princess Ayako marries commoner Kei Moriya - The Mainichi
[...]
"How happy I am that many people have celebrated (our marriage). We want to make efforts to become a couple like my mother and father," the princess told reporters following the ceremony.
She also said her late father Prince Takamado, who died in 2002, "would have rejoiced at my marriage" if he were alive, adding the top hat Moriya was holding had been her father's.
Moriya said, "I want to support her firmly and hold hands to look forward and build a family full of smiles."
[...]
Hanako Takeda, a 27-year-old friend of the princess from her school days, said, "I was overwhelmed when I saw the bride and groom together as I remembered past times with the princess. I want her to create a bright family that can make everyone smile."
"I'm delighted at this happy occasion. Mr. Moriya looked cool, as he usually does. I hope they will make a wonderful couple," said Yasuyuki Goto, 33, a friend of Moriya.
[...]
Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko lent their car to take Princess Ayako to Meiji Shrine, just like they did when Noriko married.
Princess Ayako ties the knot with Kei Moriya in shrine ceremony in Tokyo - The Mainichi
Arriving at the shrine in the special car that Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko use for ceremonies at around 10 a.m., the princess met Moriya at the shrine and the couple was blessed by their friends, family and other gathered.