The Love Story of Princess Mako and Kei Komuro, Willing to Give Up Royal Status to Marry a Commoner

Princess Mako met Kei Komuro while they were both studying at the International Christian University Tokyo in 2012. They announced their engagement plans in front of the press in 2017. At that time, Princess Mako referred to Kei Komuro as someone who always gives her encouragement. She also explained that she was first attracted to Kei Komuro's smile, which she described as bright like the sun, as reported by NHK.

However, in 2018, the Imperial Household Agency announced that Princess Mako's engagement was postponed. Then there were rumors that Kei Komuro's family was experiencing financial problems. Kei Komuro's mother was said to owe around $36,000 (more than Rp 512 million) to a man who was referred to as Komuro's mother's fiancé. This became a public criticism although it was denied that the postponement was due to this issue.

Amidst these rumors, Kei Komuro went to the United States to continue his studies in law. Although many doubted that Kei Komuro and Princess Mako were still dating, all of that was proven wrong. Princess Mako was said to always communicate with Kei during their long-distance relationship.

In November 2021, Princess Mako, who holds a master's degree in Art Museum and Gallery Studies, made a statement: "For us, each other is irreplaceable and we can support each other in times of joy and sorrow. Marriage is a choice that we need to live, to protect our hearts."

Kei Komuro then made a statement in April 2021, to explain his family's issues. Kei said that his mother's former fiancé suddenly sent a letter to demand payment of a debt. Kei stated that he is willing to resolve the issue and feels that it may be necessary to repay the kindness of his mother's former fiancé.

Regarding Princess Mako's marriage, Professor Emeritus Akagi Osamu from Osaka University of Foreign Studies, who is also a friend of the Japanese royal family, made a statement. "All family members, including Crown Prince Akishini and Princess Kiko (Princess Mako's mother), are facing a major problem. Princess Mako has worked hard and finally made the decision to marry and become an ordinary person, after considering her responsibilities as a member of the Imperial Family and her own desires."

On October 1, 2021, the Imperial Household Agency announced that Princess Mako has been diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder due to pressure from the public and media. She is expected to recover soon so that her marriage can put an end to negative comments towards her, Kei Komuro, and their families.

As mentioned earlier, because she is marrying a commoner (not from the nobility), Princess Mako has to renounce her title as a member of the Imperial Family. In Japanese regulations, female members of the imperial family are required to give up their royal status if they marry a commoner. This does not apply to male members of the Japanese royal family. Because of this, Princess Mako and Kei Komuro are referred to as the Meghan Markle and Prince Harry of Japan by BBC News.

Princess Mako is also said to be willing to forgo the 150 million yen (over Rp 18.5 billion) usually given to royal family members who leave the imperial family. Her wedding is also said to not follow the rituals of the royal family. The wedding, which will take place on October 26 (an auspicious date according to Buddha), will only be reported to the Japanese civil registry.

A while ago, Kei Komuro's appearance when arriving at the airport in Japan suddenly caught the attention of the media. What also caught the spotlight was his neatly tied long hair. After arriving, Kei Komuro had to undergo quarantine before his marriage with Princess Mako.

After the wedding, Princess Mako is reported to accompany her husband to live in the United States. Kei Komuro has already obtained a job at a law firm in that country. Of course, after Princess Mako obtains a passport and visa.

What do KLovers think about Princess Mako's marriage to a commoner?

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