- Mako Komuro, a Japanese princess who gave up her royal title to marry a commoner, arrived in New York on Sunday with her husband to start a new life
- Komuro, a graduate of Fordham University law school, works for a New York law firm but has yet to pass his bar exam, a fact that has been used by Japanese media to attack him
- Despite other princesses marrying commoners, Mako is the first to have caused such a public outcry, including frenzied reactions on social media and by local tabloids
NEW YORK CITY, New York: Mako Komuro, a Japanese princess who gave up her royal title to marry a commoner, arrived in New York on Sunday with her husband to start a new life, leaving behind a nation that criticized their relationship.
The departure of the former princess and Kei Komuro, both 30, from Haneda Airport, Tokyo, was broadcast by major Japanese networks, followed by photos posted online showing them arriving at JFK Airport, New York.
Komuro, a graduate of Fordham University law school, works for a New York law firm but has yet to pass his bar exam, a fact that has been used by Japanese media to attack him.
“I love Mako. I want to live the only life I have with the person I love,” he told reporters last month after registering their marriage in Tokyo.
Although Japan appears modern in many ways, values about family relations and the status of women are often rooted in tradition, which could be a reason for the public’s reaction to the marriage.
In addition, as taxpayers support the imperial family system, some Japanese people feel they have a say in the marriage.
Despite other princesses marrying commoners, Mako is the first to have caused such a public outcry, including frenzied reactions on social media and by local tabloids.
Former Emperor Akihito, father of the current emperor, was the first member of the imperial family to marry a commoner.
Mako’s loss of royal status is due to the Imperial House Law, which allows only male succession.
She is the daughter of the emperor’s younger brother, and her 15-year-old brother is expected to become the eventual emperor.
