Princess Mako to marry ‘Prince of the Sea’
TOKYO: Princess Mako, the granddaughter of Japan’s emperor, is getting married to an ocean lover who can ski, play the violin and cook, according to public broadcaster NHK TV.
The Imperial Household Agency declined to confirm the report yesterday.
Kei Komuro, the man who won the princess’ heart, was a fellow student at International Christian University here, where Mako, 25, also graduated, NHK said.
They met at a restaurant in Shibuya here about five years ago at a party to talk about studying abroad, and they have gone on several dates recently, it said.
Komuro has worked as “Prince of the Sea” to promote tourism to the beaches of Shonan in Kanagawa prefecture, the report said.
Women can’t succeed to the Chrysanthemum Throne in Japan. Mako’s father and her younger brother are in line to succeed Emperor Akihito, but after her uncle Crown Prince Naruhito, who is first in line.
Once she marries, Mako will no longer be a princess and will become a commoner.
But the process building up to the wedding is likely to take some time and be full of ritual, as Japanese nuptials, especially royal ones, tend to be.
First there will be an announcement, the equivalent of an engagement, and then a date for the wedding will be picked and the couple will make a formal report to the emperor and empress. NHK said Mako has already introduced Komuro to her parents, and they approve. AP