Former Japanese Princess Mako, Stripped of Royal Status, Working Dual Jobs in the US?

Former Japanese Princess Mako (center left) is walking through the departure gate at Tokyo Haneda Airport on the 14th (local time) with her husband, Kei Komuro (center right), to board a flight to New York, USA. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] It is anticipated that former Japanese Princess Mako, who lost her royal status due to marriage to a commoner, will work a dual-income job in the United States.

According to NHK on the 14th, former Princess Mako and her husband Kei Komuro departed for New York, USA, through Tokyo Haneda Airport that morning.

Former Princess Mako is the eldest daughter of Crown Prince Fumihito Akishino, the younger brother of Emperor Naruhito and first in line to the throne. She married her university classmate Kei Komuro on the 26th of last month and changed her surname to Komuro.

NHK reported, citing sources, that the couple plans to live their newlywed life in a rented apartment in New York obtained through Komuro’s acquaintances.

It was also revealed that Princess Mako is considering working a dual-income job to cover living expenses.

This is because her husband Komuro failed the New York bar exam, which may make their newlywed life in New York challenging.

Earlier, Mako gave up a lump-sum settlement of about 1.5 billion won (approximately 150 million yen) that she could have received upon leaving the royal family. This was due to public criticism amid controversies over financial issues involving Komuro’s mother.

Their marriage was also delayed repeatedly because of this issue and was eventually finalized with only a marriage registration without a formal ceremony. Crown Prince Fumihito, their father, did not want a royal ceremony, mindful of the cold public sentiment toward the marriage.

The couple, who did not receive the blessings of the Japanese public, left for their newlywed home in New York, USA. It is said to be unusual for a princess who left the Japanese royal family through marriage to reside overseas.

Meanwhile, Komuro plans to retake the New York State bar exam in February next year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.