As modern as Japan is in areas of fashion, electronics, technology, etc., this is one area where a greater portion of the rest of the world has seen evolution. Most of the Western European and even some of the Eastern cultures have experienced more cultural diversity, including interacial marriage among royal/noble families. Comments about who Princess Aiko may marry and the outcomes are steeped in that lack of evolution as well as a level of close-mindedness. In additon, the IHA may be experiencing resistance to a new situation. Even if the Russian princesses had married into the Japanese royal family and taken new names, titles, styles, religions, etc., historically, male royals didn't usually do so (until The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Henrik, etc.) The idea that a Christian/Muslim/whatever man would change to the Shinto faith would be a new idea to the IHA. Could it happen? Sure. Anything is possible. Luckily for them, Prince Akishino & Princess Kiko have given a few months more to avoid the entire situation.
Mapper
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