Love! Japanese Princess Ayako Gives Up Royal Status To Marry Commoner

Princess Ayako married commoner Kei Moriya on Monday at a traditional ceremony at Tokyo’s Meiji Shrine, to become the latest female royal to leave Japan’s imperial family.

The 28-year-old princess, the third daughter of Emperor Akihito’s late cousin, Prince Takamado, tied the knot with Kei Moriya, a 32-year-old employee of shipping company, Nippon Yusen.

The princess wore a many-layered court kimono and molded hairdo typical of the imperial aristocracy, while the groom wore a black tuxedo with grey trousers for the ceremony at the shrine dedicated to the spirit of her great-grandfather, Emperor Meiji.

“I’m filled with joy to get married and to have so many people visit us at the Meiji Shrine and congratulate us,’’ Princess Ayako told a news conference after the private Shinto wedding ceremony.

Japanese royals have been given freedom to marry whom they choose for at least three generations.

Emperor Akihito was the first crown prince to marry a commoner, who became Empress Michiko.

They met on the tennis court.

Princess Ayako had to renounce her imperial status because she married a commoner, as is the practice for women under Japan’s succession law.

She will become Ayako Moriya after signing marriage papers later on Monday.

Japan’s royal family is experiencing a shortage of males.

Crown Prince Naruhito, who takes over after Akihito abdicates in 2019, his brother, Fumihito, his nephew, Hisahito and Masahito, the octogenarian brother of the current emperor, are the only four male heirs to the throne left.

The shrinking royal family has raised concerns and calls for changes in the Imperial Succession Law, but conservatives are deeply resistant to allowing females to inherit the Chrysanthemum Throne.

 

Source: Reuters/NAN

Correspondent

Recent Posts

Global Money Week: Unity Bank Deepens Commitment To Financial Literacy With Nationwide Youth Outreach

In demonstration of its commitment to financial empowerment targeting Youths, Unity Bank Plc has again…

10 hours ago

JAMB Orders Review Of 2025 UTME After Public Complaints

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has ordered an immediate review of the 2025…

17 hours ago

EFCC Threatens To Arrest Tompolo Over Naira Abuse

The EFCC has threatened to arrest Tompolo over naira abuse.   Glamtush reports that the…

18 hours ago

Zelensky Invites Pope Leo XIV To Visit Ukraine During First Phone Call

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday invited Pope Leo XIV to Ukraine during their first…

18 hours ago

Chris Piwuna Elected As ASUU New President

Chris Piwuna has been elected as ASUU's new president.    Glamtush reports that the Academic Staff…

19 hours ago

Saraki Appointed To Head PDP Reconciliation Committee Ahead Of NEC

Saraki has been appointed to head the PDP Reconciliation Committee ahead of NEC.   Glamtush reports…

19 hours ago