Japanese Princess Who Chose 'Royalty to Commoner' Starts Anew in New York Apartment with 5.7 Million Won Monthly Rent

Former Japanese Princess Makoto Komuro.
Photo by Daily Mail

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] The first New York life of former Japanese Princess Mako Komuro (30), who changed her status from royalty to commoner after marrying a commoner of the same age, has been revealed through paparazzi photos.

British media outlet Daily Mail published photos capturing Mako's daily life on the 22nd (local time), reporting, "Former Princess Mako, who gave up her royal status, has settled in New York since last week and is experiencing her first life as a commoner with her husband Kei Komuro (30)."

According to the report, the newlywed couple's home is a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan, New York. Although it is a studio, the apartment complex offers community facilities such as a golf practice range, barbecue area, spa, and yoga studio. Nearby are Central Park and Lincoln Center, making it a luxury apartment in a prime location. The Daily Mail reported that the monthly rent for the apartment where the Komuro couple lives is $4,809 (approximately 5.7 million KRW).

Photo by Daily Mail Capture

The Daily Mail also revealed that on the 19th (local time), Mako visited the New York retail store 'Bed Bath & Beyond' to purchase household items needed for their new home. At the store, Mako shopped for about an hour and a half, buying bath towels, coat hangers, baskets, kitchen towels, and more. She was dressed very casually in a black top, jeans, and a long coat, and no bodyguards were seen nearby.

Mako is the niece of Emperor Naruhito and the eldest daughter of Crown Prince Fumihito Akishino (55), who is first in line to the throne. She married her boyfriend Kei Komuro, who is the same age, on the 26th of last month. It is known that she also declined the lump-sum settlement of about 1.5 billion KRW that is given when a royal becomes a commoner.

Meanwhile, Kei Komuro took the U.S. bar exam in July and returned to Japan in September for the wedding but did not pass the exam. He plans to retake the exam in February next year. Since Komuro has not yet obtained U.S. lawyer qualifications, it is reported that Mako is considering dual-income work.

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