Japan: Emperor Narihito and Empress Masako make first outing

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Princess Mako is the eldest child of Crown Prince Akishino, who is the heir apparent to the Chrysanthemum Throne, and his wife Princess Kiko. In 2017, Princess Mako announced her engagement to Kei Komuro, who she met while the pair were studying at Tokyo’s International Christian University. But the couple have seen their wedding plans delayed for several years amid a money dispute between Mr Komuro’s mother and a former partner.

The issue has prompted some reports that the motivations for the marriage are financial, but the couple have denied this.

Princess Mako said last year for the couple, “a marriage is a necessary choice to live and honour our hearts”.

She added: “We are irreplaceable for one another, and we lean on each other in happy times and unhappy ones.”

Under Japanese tradition, Princess Mako will lose her royal status when she marries Kei Komuro.

On account of this, Princess Mako would be entitled to a ¥150 million (£990,000) payout after she marries, which is paid from public funds.

But according to The Times, Princess Mako will reportedly turn down the £1million traditional payment from the Japanese government when she marries.

Princess Mako will also reportedly moving to the US following her marriage, as her soon-to-be husband is currently studying law there.

Princess Mako could also skip the formal Shinto betrothal ceremonies of previous Imperial Family weddings.

According to reports, the couple are planning to marry by the end of this year.

Crown Prince Akishino has given his blessing to his daughter’s decision to marry.

He told journalists last year: “I approve of them getting married.

“The constitution says that marriage shall be based only on the mutual consent of both sexes.

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“I believe I, as a parent, should respect their intentions if marriage is what they truly want.”

However, Crown Prince Akishino also acknowledged there have been criticisms of the union among the Japanese public.

He was quoted by the Kyodo news agency as stating: “From my point of view, I don’t think they are in a situation in which many people are convinced and pleased [about their proposed marriage]”.

The Imperial Family in Japan has faced significant scrutiny in recent years over its line of succession.

Unlike many other monarchies around the world, women are not permitted to rule in their own right in Japan.

The current Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako have one daughter, Princess Aiko.

But Emperor Naruhito will not be able to pass the throne to Princess Aiko under the current system.

Instead, Emperor Naruhito will be succeeded by either his brother, Crown Prince Akishino or his brother’s son, Prince Hisahito.

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