Do members of the imperial family have to pay taxes in Japan?

[KathyMoore]

Do members of the imperial family have to pay taxes in Japan?

Thanks!

[monica17]

Ah, no, I don't think so. They are supported by taxpayers' money and they have few private properties unlike the other royal families. Most of the family's wealth/properties were confiscated after WW 2. It was said that Princess Sayako, upon being a commoner when she got married, get to vote, have a surname and pay taxes for the first time.

Anyone else to verify this?

[tete]

yeah they lose the females lose their royal status and stuff when they marry a commoner and have to do all the things u just mentioned

[Vanesa]

Sorry for my uter ignorance but...Did Japanese royals not have a surname?

Vanesa.

[monica17]

Originally Posted by Vanesa

Sorry for my uter ignorance but...Did Japanese royals not have a surname?

Vanesa.

The Imperial Family do not have a surname. For instance, Princess Aiko is known as Toshinomiya Aiko in school (following the Eastern tradition that the surname is written first). But Toshi no miya isn't her surname. It stands for "Princess Toshi" in English and it is her royal title. As she doesn't have a surname, her royal title Princess Toshi acts her surname, then followed by Aiko (given name).

[Charlotte1]

While it's unlikely that members of the Imperial Family pay any kind of income tax, on the few occasions that they venture out privately they do pay GST ( goods and services tax) of 5% that is levied on everything in Japan. I do realise this isn't something that happens very often but does occur, Masako when she had her initial breakdown went and stayed with her mother at her parents' villa in Nagano prefecture not the Imperial villa for a month. ( She took Aiko with her) The press after she returned to Tokyo were also asked not to follow her when she left the palace to give her peace so there are occasions when Imperial Family members leave privately. The Japanese press is quite respectful and the paparazzi pretty much unheard off, all the pictures released of the Imperial Family are done officially. (And the members of the Imperial Family know they are being photographed)