Engagement & Marriage of Princess Mako and Kei Komuro: September 2017 - 2021

[Heavs]

Thanks Prisma. I wonder if they'll do anything to celebrate. A lunch or dinner or party? All the press releases seem to play down that idea. However even though Mako did not perform the traditional rituals she did visit the shrines so that points to some form of compromise and agreement for her to do *something* to acknowledge her marriage and tradition.

It was also fascinating to see that many Japanese people chose a "Christian" Western style ceremony and mix and match between that and more traditional customs and completely secular big parties. Not that that is likely to happen here.

If they wait until they're in the US then Mako probably won't know many people he does.

 

[Prisma]

There's a common Japanese description "Born Shinto, married Christian, die Buddhist"
Maybe the newlyweds will celebrate super privately with a few family and friends before they leave for New York.

On October 25th, Princess Mako visited her grandparents Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko at Takanawa Imperial residence (aka Sento Imperial Palace). Over 100 people waited for her arrival. She last saw her grandparents in person when they moved out of the Imperial residence last March, 1 year and 7 months ago. [NHK]

Photos: Asahi, Nikkansports, AP Images

tv-asahi reports Mako and Kei will live in an apartment in Shibuya Ward while she gets the necessary documents to travel to the US.

fnn.jp reports her parents and siblings will see her off tomorrow morning from the Akishino residence.

Princess Mako visits Emperor Emeritus | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

Japan's Princess Mako has visited Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko to bid them farewell ahead of her impending marriage.

[...]

The princess arrived by car at her grandparents' current residence in Tokyo's Minato Ward at around 10:30 a.m. on Monday.

She opened her car window, smiled and waved to the more than 100 people, including reporters, who had gathered in front of the residence.

Princess Mako spoke with the couple for more than one hour.

It was their first reunion since the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita moved out of the Imperial Palace in March of last year.

[...]

 

[CrownPrincessJava]

There's a common Japanese description "Born Shinto, married Christian, die Buddhist"
Maybe the newlyweds will celebrate super privately with a few family and friends before they leave for New York.

On October 25th, Princess Mako visited her grandparents Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko at Takanawa Imperial residence (aka Sento Imperial Palace). Over 100 people waited for her arrival. She last saw her grandparents in person when they moved out of the Imperial residence last March, 1 year and 7 months ago. [NHK]

Photos: Asahi, Nikkansports, AP Images

tv-asahi reports Mako and Kei will live in an apartment in Shibuya Ward while she gets the necessary documents to travel to the US.

fnn.jp reports her parents and siblings will see her off tomorrow morning from the Akishino residence.

Princess Mako visits Emperor Emeritus | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

She looks incredibly happy. I hope Mako and Kei have a small celebratory dinner with family and friends after their nuptials/documents lodgement.

I'm assuming the apartment in the Shibuya ward is in a nice part of Tokyo?

 

[rominet09]

I really hope we will get to see some pix of the event !

 

[MichaelB]

She last saw her grandparents in person when they moved out of the Imperial residence last March, 1 year and 7 months ago.

Although they were living so close they did not meet in person for more than 18 months? Seriously? Is that because of Covid?

I cannot help wondering what the Empress Emerita exactly meant when she said that she will miss her granddaughter. It can hardly get worse.





***
ETA:

Japan's Princess Mako meets emperor, empress before marriage

Her maternal grandfather Tatsuhiko Kawashima, 81, a professor emeritus at Gakushuin University, has been hospitalized in Tokyo since Tuesday, according to a person familiar with the matter.
Princess Mako visited the hospital with her mother, Crown Princess Kiko, and her younger sister, Princess Kako, on Tuesday afternoon to see Kawashima, the person said.

This is not an easy time for the princess and her family.

 

[Noble Consort Ming]

I can't help but be reminded of Bahrain's Meriam bint Abdullah Al-Khalifa who escaped her family and country and eloped with an American commoner. She was granted asylum in the United States but eventually returned to her gilded cage in Bahrain. I'm sorry to say that I don't think the commoner life this couple can provide for themselves will suit Mako. Unless she comes to the US and is still treated as a princess by Japanese ex-pats which is also a possibility.

 

[MichaelB]

I have found some articles that highlight the social context of the controversy around Princess Mako´s marriage:


Heavy Is the Burden on Japan’s Royal Women

Although imperial women are not eligible to sit on the throne, the criticism they receive can be harsher than for the men of the family, who are protected in part by their proximity to the line of succession.

“In addition to working as a royal, you have to maintain beautiful fashion, and after getting married, your purpose is to give birth,” said Rika Kayama, a professor and psychiatrist at Rikkyo University in Tokyo.
“Are you being a good mother? People will ask,” she added. “Do you have a good relationship with your mother-in-law? How are you supporting the men in your life? So many jobs must be done perfectly without a hitch. I don’t think men in the imperial family are looked at this closely.” (...)

But in many ways Japanese society still treats women as second-class citizens. Married couples are not legally allowed to have separate last names, a system that in practice means most women take their husband’s names. Women are still underrepresented in management, in Parliament and at the country’s prestigious universities.

Women who protest their unfair treatment or advocate for equal rights are often censured for stepping out of line. The kind of criticism hurled at Princess Mako on social media echoes the treatment of women who have spoken out about sexual assault or even workplace rules about wearing high heels.
In the imperial family, the women are expected to adhere to the values of an earlier era.
“There’s this idea that the imperial family is sort of timeless and they are not part of modern society,” said Mihoko Suzuki, founding director of the Center for the Humanities at the University of Miami, who has written about women in monarchies. Traditionalists, she said, want to “project this older, more comforting, stable idea about gender roles onto the imperial family.” (...)

Eight other princesses have married out of the family and been stripped of their monarchical status, though none have been subjected to attacks like those against Princess Mako.
“I find it very, very odd that the Japanese people believe that they should have a say in any shape or form in who she marries,” said Kenneth J. Ruoff, a historian and specialist in the Japanese imperial family at Portland State University.

Japan’s Princess Mako is going ahead with wedding to commoner Kei Komuro. Not everyone approves

Raised by a single mother, Komuro lost his father and both grandparents at a young age, according to local media reports. (...)
Kaori Hayashi, a media studies expert and executive vice president of the University of Tokyo, said royal partners are usually carefully chosen from within traditional circles the Imperial family socializes with.

Additionally, in Japan, the perception that single mothers are incapable of raising proper children, still exists, added Tonomura, the gender studies expert.
“In Japan, there is also an intense misogyny that debases single mothers morally and economically,” she said.
Some say disapproval of Komuro’s upbringing says more about gender inequality in Japan, which has the largest gender gap of all G7 countries.
“There is a traditional sort of sex-segregated role for men and women that plays out not only in the royal family, but in many institutions here,” said Nancy Snow, a professor of public diplomacy at the Kyoto University of Foreign Studies.

An account of Komuro´s first visit to the Akishino family:

“The princess cried when she heard Komuro’s footsteps walking on the gravel road outside the palace gate. She welcomed her fiancé in tears. Komuro bowed his head very low. They were both silent and didn’t say anything, both were emotional.” (...)

After meeting his fiancée, the commoner-in-law was confronted by Crown Prince Akishino and his wife. Contrary to everyone’s speculation and imagination, his future parents-in-law only spent 30 short minutes to receive their son-in-law. The reason given was because the couple was busy with other work soon after.
A source close to the royal family revealed: “Komuro stood up straight in the waiting room with a tense expression on his face. The prince appeared in the room and asked the first question, ‘Did you just cut your hair?’. Crown Princess Kiko is behind her and she is crying. During the talk Kiko stared at Komuro’s face with a worried expression. She also carries the complicated feelings of every mother preparing to send her daughter off to get married.”

Of course, we will never know if this is true or made up. But as far as I am informed it at least fits with the facts we do know.

 

[CrownPrincessJava]

I can't help but be reminded of Bahrain's Meriam bint Abdullah Al-Khalifa who escaped her family and country and eloped with an American commoner. She was granted asylum in the United States but eventually returned to her gilded cage in Bahrain. I'm sorry to say that I don't think the commoner life this couple can provide for themselves will suit Mako. Unless she comes to the US and is still treated as a princess by Japanese ex-pats which is also a possibility.

The biggest difference is the Japanese-born Princesses are raised with the expectation that they will leave the Imperial Family once they marry. The only similarity I can see is that Mako is marrying outside her sphere.

 

[CrownPrincessJava]

A bit more information about their press conference

Princess Mako to only give written answers for marriage press conference

Japan's Princess Mako and her commoner boyfriend Kei Komuro will only give opening remarks, and distribute written answers to five questions submitted in advance by media, at a press conference Tuesday following the registration of their marriage, the Imperial Household Agency said Monday

Explains Kei's 6-hour visit yesterday

Here's an article from Japan Today Princess Mako to only give written answers at marriage press conference

The decision comes as the princess, who has been diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder caused by what she described as psychological abuse the couple and their families received, said she "feels a strong sense of anxiety" just imagining having to answer questions verbally, according to the agency.

The princess, who will become Mako Komuro under a family registry with Komuro, was shocked to learn some of the questions included false information being presented as truth, the agency said.

It is shocking journalists are not conducting research. The fact they presented the couple with questions that had false information makes my head shake

 

[rominet09]

So what, nothing ? Not a glimpse ? No news ?

 

[CrownPrincessJava]

So what, nothing ? Not a glimpse ? No news ?

They will front the press, provide their statement and then distribute answers to questions already submitted. Sounds like a very short press conference

 

[Osipi]

I'm quite late to the discussion but all I really can say is that, hopefully, after Mako and Kei are married and settled into their new lives in the US that they're left alone to thrive on their own.

Mako has made her decision with eyes wide open and from the recent posts, it seems like the post traumatic stress she's been suffering comes from the reactions of everyone and their grandmother's thoughts about the choices that she's made for her own happiness. Mako probably knows that she's up front and personal these days *because* of her marriage but with the way I've seen that she's going to handle the interview tomorrow, she's hit the right balance of giving a little and keeping a lot away.

I wish the couple many joys and blessings in their lives ahead together.

 

[Prisma]

Princess Mako departed her parents' residence at 10am on October 26

Photos: Asahi, Asahi2, Mainichi (updated)

https://twitter.com/x/status/1452819921822355457

ETA: TBS/JNN livestream for Mako and Kei Komuro's press appearance at 2pm JST. They will make opening remarks and then distribute written responses to 5 questions due to Mako's physical condition

Mako was already "Mako Komuro" when she left her parents' home on October 26. IHA submitted the marriage registration around 10am. She joined Kei Komuro at the hotel to prepare for the press event at 2pm. Princess Kako arrived at the hotel to support her sister at 11am.

Japanese Princess Mako Marries Komuro | Nippon.com

[...]

Agency staff submitted the couple's marriage registration paper to a municipal office on their behalf, and the paper was accepted around 10 a.m. (1 a.m. GMT), the agency said.

[...]

Mako, a niece of Emperor Naruhito, bid farewell to her family and left the residence in Tokyo's Minato Ward around 10 a.m.

 

[CrownPrincessJava]

Kako's joy for her sister could not be contained! I am so happy to see the sisters hugging like that!

Mako is so overjoyed. I cannot wait to see the press conference now

 

[Alison H]

I hope they live happily ever after. It's very sad that what should have been a joyous occasion has been made so difficult.

 

[Moonmaiden23]

Where was Mako's little brother Prince Hisahito during the farewells?

 

[Prisma]

I don't know but perhaps school since it is a weekday...

Getty Images

In Photos: The marriage of former Princess Mako and Kei Komuro - The Mainichi

https://twitter.com/x/status/1452866332429488129

https://twitter.com/x/status/1452867679774142472

Some translations until the full remarks and written answers are available...

M: Kei is irreplaceable to me
K: I will do my best to solve my mother's financial trouble. I want to [do it]


"At press event (former Princess) Mako & Kei Komuro apologized to people they caused trouble for, who disagreed with their marriage. They thanked their supporters. Kei said: I love Mako; You only live once and I want to spend my one life with the person I love"

https://twitter.com/x/status/1452864245050200064

"First time the couple is addressing public in years. Kei says "misinformation has been spread" & he's saddened by Mako's PTSD & what his mother has been through. "She had no choice but to quit her work & felt unsafe""

https://twitter.com/x/status/1452865216799129602

Folks can Google translate the following:

Mainichi 1 - Mako's remarks. Sympathies to those people suffering during the pandemic, gratitude for her Imperial life and support received, grateful for those who worried and supported her, recognizes opposition to marriage, etc.

Mainichi 2 - Kei's remarks. Loves Mako, apologizes for the inconvenience caused by this marriage, thanks Mako for her support, etc.

Mainichi 3 - Mako's remarks continued. Moving abroad was her idea?

"... Kei hasn't moved on his own since the news about his engagement. For example, Kei's mother's response to her ex-fiancé proceeded in the direction I requested. Regarding Kei-san's study abroad, I asked him to set up a base overseas ahead of schedule for Kei-san's future study abroad program. I couldn't help at all when studying abroad, but I am grateful that Kei made an effort in a difficult situation."

Mainichi 4 - Kei's remarks continued. No progress on financial dispute. Ex-fiancé wants to meet his mother.

"...As I wrote in the published document, I have occasionally thanked my [mother's] ex-fiancé from time to time, and I am still grateful. When I proposed a solution by handing a settlement fee in April this year, I received a reply that it was important to meet [my] mother. However, [my] mother is mentally ill and doctor stopped her from meeting her ex-fiancé..."

Mainichi 5 - Kei remarks about wanting to resolve financial dispute, sorry about Mako's PTSD, his mother's mental illness, her quitting her job because she felt in danger.

Mainichi 6 - Mako's remarks/end.

"...We will start a new life together. I think there will be different forms of difficulty in our lives. However, as has always been the case, we would like to work together and walk together.

Until now, we have been faithful to our hearts because of each other's existence and the existence of people who encourage and support us..."

ETA: Mako and Kei's written responses to 5 questions

Princess Kako's statement on her sister's marriage. She supports Mako and Kei

Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko's statement on the marriage. Apologizes to the public for the uproar/trouble. Acceptance/hope for the best vibe.

I'm hoping English versions of Japanese media (Asahi, Mainichi, Kyodo, etc.) will provide full English translations.

ETA: Asahi Shimbun's video of the press event

 

[Heavs]

I truly wish them all the best in these difficult circumstances and I like that they acknowledged that going forward they would have other difficulties but that they wanted to face them together. I do hope they're also able to have a private celebration.

It was really sweet that Kako publicly hugged her sister. This marriage does put pressure on her in a number of way as well. One less person to do the same amount of jobs, pressure to be the one who marries "well", potential family strain etc.

I also hope that now they are married they can settle the financial issue with the ex fiance otherwise this will hang around their necks for the rest of their lives even though she has now officially left the IF.

 

[crm2317]

My goodness, if my daughter was driving off into a new life like that I would be an emotional mess!

So do they just submit marriage papers and that’s it? No ceremony at a registry office etc?

I’m so happy for Mako that she’s got the man that she loves. The journey they have been on the last 3 years is a testament to how they feel about each other.

 

[CrownPrincessJava]

After reading the statements by Mako and Kei, I am more than convinced Kei's mother's ex-fiance is as dodgy as they come. The biggest surprise was Mako wanting Kei to leave Japan to start up their life away from Japan. I have no doubts she loves her family, but it clearly showed she wanted out of the restrictions of her royal life.

Princess Kako's statement let it be known that her sister may have left the Imperial House, but not her life, and that she openly welcomes Kei. It makes me wonder how long it'll be before an engagement announcement from Kako....

 

[rominet09]

Very happy to know that they are married now ! I wish them all the happiness in the world !

 

[Elektra]

Congratulations to the newlyweds

The joy of Princess Kako about her sister getting married is heartwarming!

 

[Queen Claude]

Even though I saw the thumb nail of the sisters hugging and knew what was coming,

I teared up when I watched the video and Princess Kako stepped forward and hugged her sister.

 

[Osipi]

I'm going to say it.

"At press event (former Princess) Mako & Kei Komuro apologized to people they caused trouble for, who disagreed with their marriage. They thanked their supporters. Kei said: I love Mako; You only live once and I want to spend my one life with the person I love"

Kei was dead wrong in that statement. Why? Because we only die once. We live life every single day we're given. They've chosen to live their lives together.

 

[Moonmaiden23]

Kei looks so different from the carefree young man who sat next to Mako in their engagement interview years ago..I almost didn't recognize him.

When I saw Princess Kako reach out to tightly embrace her sister, my heart kind of broke.

 

[Skippy]

I'm going to say it.

"At press event (former Princess) Mako & Kei Komuro apologized to people they caused trouble for, who disagreed with their marriage. They thanked their supporters. Kei said: I love Mako; You only live once and I want to spend my one life with the person I love"

Kei was dead wrong in that statement. Why? Because we only die once. We live life every single day we're given. They've chosen to live their lives together.

From birth to death, one life. But in your interpretation it's very literal indeed.

Kei looks so different from the carefree young man who sat next to Mako in their engagement interview years ago..I almost didn't recognize him.

When I saw Princess Kako reach out to tightly embrace her sister, my heart kind of broke.

True, the abuse he and Mako have (had) to endure is visible.

 

[Prinsara]

So do they just submit marriage papers and that’s it? No ceremony at a registry office etc?

That's it. The "family registers" are paramount in Japan, so as long as Mako is on Kei's, they're considered married. That's your equivalent of 'civil [legal] marriage' in Japan. Although most people do have some sort of ceremony to go above and beyond.

 

[Kuro]

Komuro's NY bar exam results aren't released and the money dispute does not seem to be resolved, I do not understand why the Kunaicho has precipitated the marriage now when the couple does not yet have a stable situation in NY ?

I can think of only one reason why the Imperial Agency precipitated the marriage : the government plans to reform the rules of succession by letting women remain in the imperial family even after marriage and it was out of the question to let Komuro integrate the imperial family. So they forced Mako’s departure before the reforms

Aiko, Kako and their cousins are therefore “condemned” to stay, Mako is saved

 

[Prisma]

Japan's former princess Mako Komuro says marriage "necessary choice" - Kyodo News

[...]

Gist of press conference by ex-princess Mako Komuro and Kei Komuro

Former princess Mako Komuro:

-- said husband is "irreplaceable," and marriage was a "necessary choice" for the couple.

-- feels relieved that the marriage went ahead despite controversy over financial dispute involving partner's mother.

-- wants to create "a loving family in a peaceful environment."

-- said her condition is "not very good" after being diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder.

-- worried about "continued libel" against the couple, their family.

-- said she cannot explain yet how it feels to leave imperial family and become a commoner.

-- advised her husband on how to respond to the financial dispute.

-- does not have any particular thoughts about marriage being compared to that of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.

Kei Komuro:

-- said he will "do whatever possible" to resolve a money issue between his mother and her former fiance.

-- said he has tried his best to respond to the dispute but is not in a position to determine whether his efforts were enough.

-- was saddened that his wife had physical and mental health problems due to "defamation."

-- wants to support former princess so her condition improves.

-- understands negative views on the marriage among the public, but starting new life with former princess is important.

Slander that pushed ex-princess into C-PTSD continues even after diagnosis announcement - The Mainichi

[...]

Despite her condition reportedly being brought on by continuous exposure to what she feels is slander and attack, abusive online comments continue to be observed even now, including: "Please cancel this marriage already," "So naive," and "It's marriage fraud." Some online have even accused her of feigning her condition, claiming she is "malingering."

[...]

An individual affiliated with the Imperial Household Agency said, "Even after her condition was announced, weekly magazine reporting's critical tone has barely changed. We're worried it may affect her recovery."

Mako reportedly started to feel her "human dignity was being infringed" around 2018 and 2019, but her C-PTSD was not disclosed because it did not affect official duties. The then princess is also said to have preferred to withhold the information.

[...]

But among those questioning the timing of her condition's announcement is even a government-affiliated individual: "I can't shift the feeling it came abruptly. It can't be helped if it's viewed as declaration of something like, 'My marriage is settled, please leave me alone.' Though it was in line with her wishes, I think the announcement could have come a bit earlier."

[...]

PTSD is triggered by a temporary event where one experiences strong fear, such as a disaster, a crime or an accident. C-PTSD meanwhile involves "a combination of multiple symptoms that occur when subjected to repetitive instances of undergoing great psychological trauma over a long period of time," according to Toshiro Sugiyama, visiting professor of child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Fukui's Research Center for Child Mental Development. Child abuse and long-term domestic violence are representative examples of C-PTSD causes.

Sugiyama said that in addition to PTSD symptoms such as vivid flashbacks of painful memories, C-PTSD patients experience difficulty controlling emotions, feelings of worthlessness and shame, and relationship difficulties.

While symptoms differ by individual, Sugiyama said that generally "there are many cases where C-PTSD greatly interferes with daily life, and a special type of psychotherapy is required to treat it." He emphasized, "The symptoms are serious, and typically, full recovery takes several years."

[...]

Meanwhile, parties close to Mako felt that if the situation had continued she would no longer be able to mentally endure it. This seems to have been one factor behind the couple's marriage being approved after a period of continuous postponements.

An aide has commented that there are no updates in particular to be made regarding her current health.

No one should be forced to disclosure any medical condition. After years of waiting and constant criticism, it does appear the marriage was pushed forward due to Mako's physical condition.

Imperial Household Agency criticized for media strategy — or lack thereof | The Japan Times

[...]

“I don’t think the Imperial Household Agency had any strategy (on how to respond to criticism of the princess’s boyfriend),” said Yohei Mori, a professor specializing in mass communication at Seijo University in Tokyo.

[...]

As an example, Mori points to the 24-page statement released by Komuro in April at the reported urging of the Imperial Household Agency. In the statement, he elaborated on the situation and vowed to “correct erroneous information as much as possible,” referring to news reports about the disagreement between his mother and her ex-fiance.

But the statement ended up being counterproductive, Mori said, adding that Komuro could have thanked his mother’s ex-fiance instead, saying that he would never forget what the man had done for him.

“The statement was lengthy and the legal language he used was too complex, so it’s hard to gather what message he was trying to convey,” said Mori, adding that the “excessive commentaries that followed also did a disservice to the couple.”

[...]

But Princess Mako is not the first royal family member to be the target of excessive media scrutiny: Empress Masako and Empress Emerita Michiko were victims of malicious attacks, as well.

“Everyone knows they aren't going to be the ones to reign, hence they are more often victims of attacks from society,” said Hideya Kawanishi, an associate professor at Nagoya University who specializes in Japanese history and the imperial family system.

[...]

But Kawanishi points out the difference between past responses and the current cases. Normally, the Imperial Household Agency disputes unjust reports published by weekly magazines or other tabloids on its website. But in the case of Komuro, it remained silent on the premise that it is a private matter concerning him.

[...]

The agency only rebuked claims in one report posted Dec. 24, 2020, by weekly magazine Shukan Shincho, which suggested the imperial family had given an ultimatum to the Komuro family based on instructions from Empress Emerita Michiko.

Mori from Seijo University points out that the Imperial Household Agency should have sent a clear message that the royal family did not perceive the financial troubles involving Komuro’s family to be an obstacle to the couple’s marriage.

During a news conference last year, the princess’s father, Crown Prince Akishino, spoke of the couple’s marriage plan. According to Mori, the crown prince sent conflicting messages, which gave many in the country the impression that the boyfriend did not fit into the royal family.

“The father said he approved of the marriage," said Mori, "But it was unnecessary — and conflicting — for him to say that the two would not hold an official Nosai no Gi betrothal ceremony — I think that was the biggest mistake.”

The Imperial Household Agency currently has no advisory body that could instruct it on how to respond to public distrust, Mori noted.

“The agency most likely hasn’t thought thoroughly about what message to convey” in response to the criticism of the princess’s boyfriend, said Mori. “In the era of social media, the previous strategy of sharing information through selected media outlets is out-of-date.

“The agency needs to come up with a new public relations strategy.”

Not surprising. I mean, the IHA took 6+ months to figure out remote visits for the Emperor and Empress while other Imperial family members and European royalty adopted the online format much sooner. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako also continue to wear masks since IHA staff remain IN the room during such virtual visits.

 

[Reinosa]

She is so beautiful and he is so handsome. I wish them all the happiness in the world. They have suffered and they deserve it. I can't believe all this mess was caused because Kei's mother has a debt. There are countries (mine) where a couple living together ("common law") share their money while they are together and no way an ex partner could claim in so harsh way for a money he gave to the woman that was considered his family. I know that having money debts is a great dishonour in Japan, and that there is a high inequalitly in women's rights, but this story has been really sad. I'm sure Mako will have a better life outside the Imperial Family. It is wonderful the way Kako embraces her, so touching. I cannot understand her mother not doing the same.

God bless the young couple.

I read the comments and I want to ask you: did Empress Michiko say anything to her grandaughter?

I hope my English to be understable.