Engagement & Marriage of Princess Mako and Kei Komuro: September 2017 - 2021

[Prisma]

I think the moderation is temporary for new members and you should be able to post freely soon.

Thank you and I appreciate your feedback and criticism. I don't remember bullying articles and admittedly was too focused on Princess Kako's birthday photos. Yes, I have shared Japanese magazine articles in this thread and others. They are not my main or regular sources of information. I'm not Japanese and I rely on Google translations since becoming interested in the Imperial family. I am still learning Japan's media and hesitant to share everything I might find online. Bunshun has increased on my radar especially in the past year. I look forward to learning more from you and aim to do better. More posters and information are great!

The bullying and common-law marriage revelations are serious concerns. While I have empathy for the difficulties after Kei's father died and subsequent family tragedies (if true), Kayo Komuro's actions leave much to be desired. She was absent and reacted poorly to another parent's complaint. No parent wants to believe their child is a bully but she should have investigated first, apologized with Kei if true, and figured out corrective behavior. I realize that's easier said than done. Bullying is a huge problem. The sooner counseling/corrective measures are implemented the better. Tragedies and struggles can befall anyone. People do find acceptable resources and overcome hardships, not becoming bullies.

The fraud…yikes! I'm not familiar with common-law marriage. I thought a couple had to live together for some time? Not a requirement in Japan? The ex-fiance says "they were separate households at the time." However, it makes sense to end Kayo's survivor's pension if the relationship met the standard for common-law marriage.

I wonder about the legal ramifications of the recordings. Kei recording the ex-fiance, who later recorded the Komuros (was that secret?). All parties must consent to recording in California including private conversation or telephone call. Recording the Imperial family or IHA is extremely risky. That'd kill any chance of marriage. Since the ex-fiance already released his 2013 audio, Kei Komuro might as well release his 2012 recording.

Why does the ex-fiance no longer want repayment? He's been pursuing this matter for years on-again, off-again (is that true? did he and the Komuros really lose contact?). Is he just tired of it and simply reveals his experience with the Komuro family? Letting the public, Imperial family and IHA decide?

Earlier reports said Kayo offered to repay ~10,000 yen monthly but the ex-fiance said it was too low. Why didn't he accept? It's not much but repayment would have started in 2012. He knew Kayo's financial situation.

It seems the limbo will continue until one side (Princess Mako?) gives up… She's certainly set on Kei Komuro no matter the troubles. I agree the lump sum is problematic even if she returns/donates it. Leaving Imperial family via Chapter 2 Article 11 seems too scandalous despite an already scandalous situation.

 

[Prisma]

Money row tied to Japan princess's boyfriend may end in settlement - Kyodo News

The former fiance of the mother of Princess Mako's boyfriend said Tuesday he wants to enter negotiations on a settlement payment, offered earlier this month by the boyfriend, to end a long-running dispute.

[...]

"I've heard that (Komuro's mother) has been hospitalized for a long time as she has not been feeling well. I would like to hear from her as soon as possible and make a final decision," he said in a statement released through his representative.

[...]

The man said he wants to negotiate with Komuro's mother via the representative, a weekly magazine reporter, saying that the planned marriage and the dispute are "separate issues."

He added, "I am truly sorry for still causing a stir in society."

But at the same time, he said he is confused as to why Komuro has opted to pay money four days after releasing a 24-page document detailing the money dispute, in which the boyfriend said resolving the problem through talks would be "the best choice."

[...]

 

[kikunohana]

Money row tied to Japan princess's boyfriend may end in settlement - Kyodo News

I am going to post this in two parts due to length. Sorry again to the moderators.

Part 1


I understand that you rely on google translate, which is not always accurate, but that makes it more surprising to me that you did not come across the bullying allegations and had chosen to omit other pieces about the Komuros since these articles are more accessible and read than others. Widespread public disapproval of Kei Komuro is the chief reason for the delay of Princess Mako’s marriage, so why wouldn’t you or others share the very stories, some of which have included actual evidence, responsible for causing much of the public to distrust him?

Perhaps it wasn’t intentional, but in your response to the various allegations, you alsoprimarily focused on the actions of Komuro’s mother and the ex-fiancé, and not on Komuro himself, though it was Komuro who bullied a student into dropping out of high school and was proven to have lied about the loan matter.

According to the Bunshun articles about the bullying, Mrs Komuro already had a strong attachment to her son prior to her husband’s death and believed he was a child prodigy, and that may have contributed to her inability to see him clearly. That said, Kei Komuro was more than old enough in middle and high school to know that his actions were wrong, and he is the one engaged to Princess Mako. What is most concerning is that he did not acknowledge nor apologize for the suffering he caused A, when A shared he sought counseling years later because he was so traumatized by what was done to him. It is yet another example of Komuro running away from his problems and also suggests he does not truly feel remorse for what he did.

When a couple marries in Japan, they share the same family register (koseki). This is not the case for common-law marriages. According to the ex-fiancé, he and Mrs Komuro still maintained their separate apartments although they lived in the same building.

There is no minimum to how long a couple must live together to meet the standard for a common-law marriage. However, to prove one is in a common law marriage when applying for benefits or seeking compensation from an ex-partner, both parties must consider that they are or were in a common-law marriage and there must be some kind of formal document that indicates the nature of their relationship (residence certificate, insurance, private contract, etc.). Komuro’s recognition of his mother’s relationship would also be considered evidence.

But if it was not clear, Mrs Komuro explicitly stated in her email that she would continue to accept the survivor’s pension if she had a “common-law marriage” and this is against the law.

Even if she did not engage in a common-law marriage, Mrs Komuro was still obligated to report and pay taxes on the money from her ex-fiancé if it was a gift. According to Annotation 16 of Komuro’s 28-page document, Mrs Komuro did not do this until after the money issue had been covered by the media because she did not think it was necessary and only did it “just in case” after a friend had asked about it. Over the years, her son had always refused to answer questions regarding whether or not she had reported the money despite claiming the matter was already settled. Now, we know why.

Komuro’s document via NHK: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20...l?utm_int=news-new_contents_latest_with-image


According to the ex-fiancé in his interviews with Gendai, he was never allowed to hold hands with Mrs Komuro and they never kissed. Now, this might not be unusual behavior for a non-married couple from a more conservative culture, but this is unthinkable in Japan and would cause many to assume someone was being led on. The insistence that the ex-fiancé must make Mrs Komuro the beneficiary of his life insurance policy if he wanted to take their relationship to the next level, but no one must know about their common-law marriage, including the ex-fiancé’s own daughter by Kei Komuro’s suggestion, only contributes to this suspicion.
Gendai: https://gendai.ismedia.jp/articles/-/54519?page=2

 

[kikunohana]

Part 2


It is legal to record a conversation or phone call for the purpose of evidence if you have one-party consent. Komuro’s was taken in secret, but it is unclear if the ex-fiancé’s was. The problem with Komuro is that there was no reason for him to be recording and he did it mid-way through the discussion which was between his mother and the ex-fiancé. He also admitted he only recorded part of the conversation about the money and failed to share the full context of the 5 short lines he transcribed for his document.

In his interview with Josei Seven, the ex-fiancé claimed that during the discussion (the one Komuro supposedly recorded) to end the engagement, where Mrs Komuro told him she would only be able to send no more than 10,000 yen a month if she were to pay him back, he did not say he turned her down. He stated that he has never refused repayment from Mrs Komuro, but asked her to reconsider the monthly amount because 10,000 yen was too low. The ex-fiancé is in his 70s and it would take over 30 years for him to be paid back in full if he accepted a 10,000 yen a month payment. He sold his car and had to move into a small apartment because he could no longer pay his home loans due to the money spent on the Komuros. The 4 million yen he has been asking for is only part of the sum he paid to fund their lifestyle and Kei’s education.
Josei Seven: https://news.line.me/articles/oa-newspostseven/b2c81b2e62b3

But Mrs Komuro never sent him any money after that discussion and ignored him when he sent her a letter telling her to pay the loan back. The next time that they met, Mrs Komuro and her son handed the ex-fiancé a letter written in consultation with their lawyer (though it was full of errors and even the ex-fiancé’s named was misspelled) that stated the money was not a loan and would not be repaid, and the ex-fiancé had yet to offer Mrs Komuro an apology and compensation for the emotional distress he caused her by breaking off their engagement.
Gendai: https://gendai.ismedia.jp/articles/-/54519

The ex-fiancé has actually been fairly consistent on the money issue. He has always maintained that the money was a loan since 2013 or earlier. In December 2017, a friend leaked to Josei Jishin that he was upset about the unpaid loan after learning of Komuro’s engagement from TV. Had he not paid Komuro’s tuition and study abroad program, Komuro would have never met Princess Mako at the study abroad event at ICU, and he was upset he was not informed beforehand. Also, if Komuro was financially comfortable enough to become engaged to a princess, they should have had the means to pay him back. However, the ex-fiancé did not give his first interview, which was with Gendai in February 2018, until after Komuro failed to contact him and told the media that the loan matter was already settled though he had been completely unware of it.

Whenever Komuro makes a statement, the media seeks comment from the ex-fiancé. Should the ex-fiancé not respond when he finds Komuro’s statements untruthful and can provide evidence that shows the situation has been mischaracterized? Discussions between the two parties did not begin until July 2019 and Komuro’s representative would only argue about the dates and content in the ex-fiancé’s bankbook.
Gendai: https://gendai.ismedia.jp/articles/-/77782?page=5

In an interview with TV Asahi last November, the ex-fiancé said he decided to no longer seek payment after reading Princess Mako’s statement on her feelings about marriage that had been released by the IHA earlier that month. He considered the loan issue separate from her engagement and it pained him to think that it was becoming an obstacle to her marriage. He also told Gendai that he was exhausted from negotiations going nowhere and reporters constantly bombarding him for comment.
ANN News: https://news.tv-asahi.co.jp/news_society/articles/000198702.html
Princess Mako’s message: https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/activity/activity/03/gokekkon/okimoti.html

Komuro brought the ex-fiancé back into the spotlight with his 28-page document, forcing the ex-fiancé to refute what was said in the document and release the 2013 audio recording. The only way to end the matter now is to agree to negotiate a settlement after Komuro changed his mind again.[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]After all that has happened, personally, I do not understand why someone would choose to focus more of their attention on the ex-fiancé than on Komuro’s inconsistency in this matter. In the beginning, Komuro claimed he was unaware of the loan, which was not only disproven with evidence from the ex-fiancé, but later contradicted by his own statements. Then, he went back and forth on whether or not the matter was settled while the money still had not been reported and taxes had not been paid. Over three years later, days after publishing a long document insisting that money did not need to be paid back, he announced he would pay a settlement and did not even inform the IHA. His work history is equally inconsistent and he is the one who wants to marry a princess.[/FONT]

 

[Moonmaiden23]

Wow..I have to admit that I have completely reassessed my glowing opinion of Kei Komuro and his engagement to the princess.

The bullying allegations...if even partly true..are particularly troubling. Heinous, in fact.

 

[Nice Nofret]

When I read this report I start to understand, why the royal family do not want to go forth with a marriage; and his reasons for holding on to it doesn't shine nice light on him at all.


Probably a more honorable man would have stept back from the marriage.

 

[Junjun]

Thank you for admitting my registration...I’m not a good English writer but I’d like to say a word...All that Kikunohana-san said is true...Over 97% of Japanese people are opposite to this marriage due to the personality of Kei Komuro according to a web research...There is many reasons more than financial problem and bullying...His mother is reported to have connection with a member of antisocial organization,to have sent emails to ask her ex-fiancée to conceal their relationship for avoiding losing her pension...the latter is a obvious crime.
Please do not trivialize into as lack of freedom of royal member or something. The forfront of public concern is that the Japanese royal family would be sponged by fiddlers forever...

 

[Moonmaiden23]

A warm welcome to The Royal Forums, Jujun.

Thank you for your comments.?

 

[W.Y.CII]

It's great to see more diversified comments and opinions, especially those comes from local Japanese, so many thanks to kikunohana and Junjun .

 

[Junjun]

Thank you for your warm welcome message,Moonmaiden23 and W.Y.CII.
I cannot write a lot, but let me add one thing. There is an excessed consideration for the Imperial topics in Japanese newspapers, which is called “sontaku” in Japanese.
So,sometimes magazines are more reliable. The Weekly Bunshun,as quated in the comment of kikunohana-san,revealed a number of emails sent by Kei’s mother to her ex-fiancée,but no newspaper reported them.
Maybe for that reason,there is an enormous gap of understanding.

 

[W.Y.CII]

Yes, Weekly Bunshun is quite reliable, speaking from my own experience. (Sometimes I follow the Japanese celebrities, and if the gossips come from Bunshun, then I know it's mostly true ?.) Their reporting are always supported with many firsthand evidences, rather than based on "an anonymous source closed to somebody" like some other countries' publications. I don't know that they would cover imperial family though.

 

[Junjun]

Wow, W.Y.CII, you know a lotYes, it can be said that Weekly Bunshun is one of the most reliable media in Japan. Many newspapers seemed to be afraid of being expelled from government briefing when magazines don’t have such a restriction.

And Weekly Bunshun covers almost everything as well as cerebrities gossips. Numbers of politicians have lost their posts due to Bunshun’s scoop,which is called “Bunshun bomb”. Recently Bunshun is in a battle with Tokyo Olympic & Paralympic organizational committee disclosing its scandals and someone said “only Bunshun does a journalism job.”

Relationship between Japanese Imperial family and journalism is complicated. Originally, the Empress Emerita Michiko had checked media so strictly, that all media had glorified her during Heisei Era,giving “consideration” for her. In contrast, then Crown Princess Masako,the present Empress, who is far more beautiful and intelligent, had been humbled during that era.
The Crown Prince Akishinonomiya and his wife Kiko on the other hand are Michiko’s favorites, so they are now also given “consideration” by media.

But I’ve written too much...

An important article which had not been introduced in this thread...
Emperor Naruhito referred to the marriage of Mako and Kei Komuro on his birthday press conference.

Naruhito hopes bright future lies ahead for post-pandemic world : The Asahi Shimbun

“Naruhito also said he is aware of various opinions among the public about the planned marriage between Mako, the oldest child of his younger brother, Crown Prince Fumihito, and Crown Princess Kiko, and Kei Komuro, Mako’s college sweetheart.
“I am hoping that things will lead to a situation that most people accept and will celebrate,” he said.”

In Japan, many people considered that ”various opinions in the public” means a lot of scandal reported about Kei Komuro, including not only his financial problems but also bullying which has been alleged by 3 of his classmates, connection between his mother and members of antisocial organizations, mysterious deaths of his father, grandfather and grandmother, evasion of tax, illegal reception of pension,etc.

 

[kikunohana]

Thank you again for the welcome comments and Junjun's support. There are other issues I chose not to touch upon due to length or lack of evidence, but as Junjun pointed out, Komuro's job status, the loan matter and bullying allegations are not the only reasons why there is so much public opposition to Princess Mako's engagement.

A new update on the Komuro affair.

In his latest statement, the ex-fiancé said he was told that Mrs Komuro has been unwell and in the hospital for a long time. However, the paparazzi caught Mrs Komuro shopping on May 3rd, raising doubts that she was ever hospitalized or hospitalized long-term. Her neighbors were also completely unaware that she had been in the hospital and she had been going into work in April.
Josei Jishin via Yahoo News: https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/51d7ffb6faa769da50e14f11ca2ed6b9e537319d

If Mrs Komuro has been lying about her condition to avoid speaking to the ex-fiancé about the loan matter, then it may take even longer for the matter to be settled.

In the past, some Japanese politicians have checked themselves into the hospital for “exhaustion” or an unnamed illness when confronted with a huge scandal. However, Japan’s hospitals are at a breaking point with the COVID situation right now, so it is quite difficult to secure a hospital stay for something minor. Even if Mrs Komura had been in the hospital, it would cause quite the uproar if it was for something not serious to avoid dealing with the loan matter.

 

[Junjun]

Thank you kikunohana for introducing important viewpoints here when readers were short of full information.
I have worried how this topic is seen in overseas, wondering that there should be any misunderstanding.

Then , there are more topics about a new situation of Crown Princess Mako, which is so controversy among the public. She is now seemed as behind-the-scenes fixer of Komuro’s loan affairs.

First, Mr.Kaji, the grand chamberlain of Crown Prince, said that why Kei Komuro’s attitude is toward refusing to return his dept is mainly because the intention of Mako, on April 8th. The public was so shocked then because it is a taboo that an imperial family member is deeply involved in private citizens’ financial trouble. If Crown Princess suggested non-payment of the loan, no one could have demanded the payment any more…

So, Mako is now also subject of criticism, she is assumed as a person who places her privacy ahead of public problems. Moreover, voices against whole Imperial family or Akishino family are higher and higher.

And here is another article published yesterday which figures that Mako should suggest Kei to announce to pay the settlement money.

https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/9748a4bf1c365e1f0bd9a3035f75890431ad6c77


Although the article above is based on speculation, but it is certainly possible.

But, I would like to emphasize, though it is not touched upon in the article, that if an Imperial family member transfer his/her pocked money to anyone else more than 1,600,000 yen (14,734.32 U.S.$) per year without Japanese Diet resolution, it is violation of Imperial House Economy Act article 2.

https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/about/seido/seido08.html


Large amount of tax have been already spent on Kei Komuro in the past 3 years, and if the settlement money has spent from Mako’s Imperial family members’ payment which is also taxpayer money, it will reach the limit of Japanese public’s patience.

Sorry again for a long article…Komuro affairs are still in the headlines even though media are busy on COVID and Tokyo Olympic & Paralympic.

And thank you so much for paying attention to Japanese Imperial affairs. I'm happy if I could do something for you to understand the situation...

 

[Blog Real]

I am pleased to see members of Japan here at the TRF, to help us understand matters related to the Imperial Family.

 

[Happiness Always]

I'm here because yesterday while I was getting my hair cut and colored, my hairstylist started chatting about Kei Komuro. All I knew about him was that his mother's boyfriend paid for his education and so, that's what I told her. She filled me in on Kei's father committing suicide and Kei recording a conversation about repaying his mother's boyfriend for the loan. I'm glad kikunohana and Junjun posted what they did because I finally understood what my hairstylist was saying. (I don't read Japanese, and she kept pointing to a magazine headline/subheadings.)
My hairstylist is of the opinion that Kei Komuro should pay his mother's ex-boyfriend before marrying Princess Mako. I wonder if Kei Komuro practices law, who would trust him? I mean, this guy is into secret recordings.

 

[Junjun]

Questions to Dear Readers

Thank you for your message, Blog Real and Happiness Always

The situation Happiness Always experienced is so curious, in which a hairstylist kept talking about Komuro matter to a foreign customer. Thus, Komuro affair is a social concern in Japan.


Dear readers, please allow me to pose some questions out of genuine curiosity...

What if this happens in your country?
What if a monarchy member fall in love with such an untrustworthy or semi-criminal person? How do you suppose the public of your country will respond?

Maybe there is contradiction between human rights and responsibility as a royal member...

And more generally speaking, if a daughter of a wealthy family wants to marry such a person? If she was your daughter?

 

[Prinsara]

Thank you for your message, Blog Real and Happiness Always

The situation Happiness Always experienced is so curious, in which a hairstylist kept talking about Komuro matter to a foreign customer. Thus, Komuro affair is a social concern in Japan.


Dear readers, please allow me to pose some questions out of genuine curiosity...

What if this happens in your country?
What if a monarchy member fall in love with such an untrustworthy or semi-criminal person? How do you suppose the public of your country will respond?

Maybe there is contradiction between human rights and responsibility as a royal member...

And more generally speaking, if a daughter of a wealthy family wants to marry such a person? If she was your daughter?

ジュンジュンさんこんにちは！ようこそTRFへ。

And now, allow me to direct you to the Norwegian part of the forums. Please search for Princess Märtha Louise, or "ML" as we frequently call her, who has fallen in love with someone even more troubling.

We have been discussing the Durek Verrett affair for almost two years now. Sadly.

 

[Sunnystar]

And more generally speaking, if a daughter of a wealthy family wants to marry such a person? If she was your daughter?

I don't think that the family's wealth really has much to do with it, when it comes right down to parents/siblings/family wanting their children (both male and female) to marry someone who isn't trying to take advantage of them or bad news. But, sometimes, there's no talking sense to the person in love, even if you know the person they're in love with is, for lack of a better term, a loser.

 

[kathia_sophia]

おはようございます! はじめまして! I'm happy to see someone from Japan, and one of you is from Kyoto!!! I was there in 2018 to see the Koyo 紅葉! It was so beautiful!


Hmm Durek Verrett and Komuro Kei. Both controversial but so different from each other. For me Durek Verrett is far worse. As far as I can see Komuro Kei is studying law and is trying to become a respectable man despite his family issues. On the other hand, Durek Verrett "enjoys" to deceive other people and gains from it (unfortunately). I might not understand/agree with what he believes in, but he has no right to say whatever he pleases about Covid-19. The foolish and unresponsible ideas of this deceitful man might kill someone (if it already did). At least, Komuro Kei is not putting people's lives at risk.

 

[Stefan]

おはようございます! はじめまして! I'm happy to see someone from Japan, and one of you is from Kyoto!!! I was there in 2018 to see the Koyo 紅葉! It was so beautiful!


Hmm Durek Verrett and Komuro Kei. Both controversial but so different from each other. For me Durek Verrett is far worse. As far as I can see Komuro Kei is studying law and is trying to become a respectable man despite his family issues. On the other hand, Durek Verrett "enjoys" to deceive other people and gains from it (unfortunately). I might not understand/agree with what he believes in, but he has no right to say whatever he pleases about Covid-19. The foolish and unresponsible ideas of this deceitful man might kill someone (if it already did). At least, Komuro Kei is not putting people's lives at risk.

There is also a difference with the woman. Princess Märtha Louise is still a Princess and she is still on place 4 in the norwegian line of succession. Princess Mako however will loose her Status as Princess upon marriage and she is not in the line of succession.

 

[Heavs]

Most of the news in English about the Komuro family has focused on the debt that needs to be sorted out between them and the ex fiancé and not really any further gossip about his untrustworthiness or family scandals which would concern anyone.

Many posters in the NRF section express *a lot* of dismay about Durek and ML's behaviour together and separately but there's no real shock that ML would pick such a snake oil salesman person or that her parents couldn't and wouldn't publicly jump in to stop the relationship, which it seems Mako's are trying their hardest to do.

In Europe in general it also isn't unusual to see women from families who are not wealthy or upper class or at least not wealthy in royal terms, marry into the royal families and become a real asset. Not that this is going to be a factor with either Durek or Kei whatever happens with either relationship.

I suppose a comparison might also be made with Prince Friso and Princess Mabel in the Netherlands who weren't given permission to marry due to her failure to disclose her links with a mob boss and he lost his place in the succession but they were still part of the family and their children given titles.

Maxima Zorreguieta's father was part of a military junta in Argentina and because of that he wasn't allowed to be at the wedding but it still went ahead in the same family.

I do think a lot of people in the UK at least would be extremely critical of say anyone Beatrice or Eugenie married if it involved giving them a large lump sum of taxpayer's money to live an entirely private life.

I have to say it is very interesting and welcome to have Japanese posters sharing their thoughts on this.

Given that Mako seems determined to stay with Kei what would be her next step?

 

[Denville]

if Mako is going to have to give up her positoin as a Princess, while this guy may not be an angel....why would it be a problem? Why will he get a large sum of taxpayers money if she's dropping out of royal life?

 

[JR76]

if Mako is going to have to give up her positoin as a Princess, while this guy may not be an angel....why would it be a problem? Why will he get a large sum of taxpayers money if she's dropping out of royal life?

Princesses get a lump sum by the state when they marry to start off their new life.

 

[Prinsara]

Princesses get a lump sum by the state when they marry to start off their new life.

Could some law be passed that Mako won't, if it comes down to it?

 

[Denville]

Could some law be passed that Mako won't, if it comes down to it?

I hardly think that they can pass a law penalizing one princess, esp at present when law makers have a lot of more serious stuff to deal with. If its felt that Mako's fiance isn't a good guy, its not good but if he gets a one off payment, is that really so bad?

 

[Somebody]

Thank you for your message, Blog Real and Happiness Always

The situation Happiness Always experienced is so curious, in which a hairstylist kept talking about Komuro matter to a foreign customer. Thus, Komuro affair is a social concern in Japan.

Dear readers, please allow me to pose some questions out of genuine curiosity...

What if this happens in your country?
What if a monarchy member fall in love with such an untrustworthy or semi-criminal person? How do you suppose the public of your country will respond?

Maybe there is contradiction between human rights and responsibility as a royal member...

And more generally speaking, if a daughter of a wealthy family wants to marry such a person? If she was your daughter?

The Dutch royal family has had several bridegrooms (or brides) that caused quite some discussion. However, that didn't mean they weren't allowed to marry. In most cases they didn't get permission from parliament to marry resulting in them no longer being in the line of succession. This is why it is hard to understand the problem for Mako. She already HAS to leave the imperial family upon marriage; so, even if the people of Japan aren't happy with her choice, it is her choice... It would be different if she was in line to the throne; or would continue representing the imperial family - but that isn't the case.

The Dutch examples:
* The former queen's second sister (so, basically the spare) changed her denomination (she became Roman Catholic; which was a big deal at that time) to marry a claimant to the Spanish throne and nobody from her family attended her wedding - and she was no longer in the line of succession.

* The former queen's youngest sister wished to marry a Cuban exile; as he was Roman Catholic as well; she decided to not ask for parliamentary permission to avoid causing a scandal (for marrying a Roman Catholic instead of someone who was a Protestant). The royal family attended their relatively low-key wedding (for royal standards).

* The king's second brother (i.e., spare) married someone who might or might not have had relationships with one of the most famous criminals. This was discussed extensively in the press and created quite a scandal. So, in they end it was decided no formal parliamentary permission was asked, but they married nonetheless in the presence of the full royal family and had a happy marriage until the prince had an avalanche accident and ended up in a coma that he died from 1 1/2 years later. His widow is still very close to especially her mother-in-law.

* The king himself married the daughter of a Videla minister (Argentinian dictator that had many people killed); as it was her father who was the main problem the 'solution' was for her father not to attend the wedding nor the inauguration 11 years later. In private, he remained welcome as they understood that he still was Máxima's father.

I hardly think that they can pass a law penalizing one princess, esp at present when law makers have a lot of more serious stuff to deal with. If its felt that Mako's fiance isn't a good guy, its not good but if he gets a one off payment, is that really so bad?

Yes, indeed. And in the end is is Mako who gets the lumpsum not her husband (who ever that may be - hopefully the man of her choice); and from then on it is up to them to make ends meet. I guess, some might expect a certain way of life for a former princess - but if the imperial family isn't willing to finance that lifestyle, they shouldn't expect them to live above their means just to keep up some kind of 'image'.

 

[Heavs]

Could some law be passed that Mako won't, if it comes down to it?

Nothing in the English versions of the articles have suggested that would happen and she doesn't seem to have offered it either. I'm not sure there would have to be a law passed, the Imperial Household Economy Council simply wouldn't grant her anything or perhaps grant her a much smaller lump sum.

Prisma posted this a few pages back that has some more details:

After buying an apartment, little money left, says former royal : The Asahi Shimbun

I suppose for a family (and public) already looking in askance at the Komuro family's handling of money (among other things potentially) they would be reluctant to hand over a large sum of money to him but be equally they would be worried about how he's going to provide for her in a standard befitting a niece, granddaughter, daughter and sister of Emperors. I suppose they would have to wait until he got a good job after the Bar exam to really prove that.

Then there is the potential issue of the Kojo title in play so that Mako and Kako could continue supporting the family officially, which brings more theoretical complications

 

[JR76]

Regarding the "dowry" the princesses receive I remember reading when Princess Sayako married Yoshiki Koruda in 2005 that although she received as much as $1,2m that wasn't enough to buy even a smaller flat in an up-market Tokyo neighbourhood. If true it's not as if Princess Mako and Kei Komuro will get a sum that they can live carefree on for the rest of their lives.

 

[Junjun]

Japanese IF's Finance

Wow too many post to reply each…but I am thankful to you for being interested in this.　And your Japanese messages made me so happy.

Almost all you pointed out is true, here, I would add something about Japanese IF’s finance. I hope you understand from this why Japanese people are so mad at Komuro and Mako.


First, there are “IF expenses” which is like their wage paid by government.

https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/kunaicho/kunaicho/pdf/kouzokuhi.pdf

According to the page above, Crown Prince Akishino receives 91,500,000 JPY (840,525.26 USD) as his IF expense, when 15,250,000 JPY(140,087.54 USD)is paid to Crown Princess Kiko, 9,150,000 JPY (84,052.53 USD) to each of Mako and Kako, and 3,050,000 JPY (28,017.51 USD)to Hisahito.
Costume fee for attending public duties is another category.


On the other hand, princesses who leave IF for marriage or other reasons, they can receive lump-sum money. The amount of the lump-sum is regulated according to their status, and as for Mako, maximum amount is 152,500,000 JPY (1,400,875.4 USD), which is 10 times of annual IF expense for which an independent female monarchy head would be paid.


And you have opinions that Mako is free to marry anyone she love because she will leave IF and have no succession line. I don’t deny that, but actually, a change is planned, which seems to intend to retain Mako within IF even after her marriage.


A government advisory panel is held intermittently this year to discuss how the imperial throne should be succeeded, including the possibility of female emperors and emperors of female lineage, as well as foundation of female monarchy and Kojo title. It is rumored that “female monarchy” and “Kojo title” are both planned for Mako to retain her within IF.




If Mako becomes a female monarchy chief, 15,250,000 JPY(140,087.54 USD) a year will be paid to her, when if it is Kojo, 6,000,000 JPY (55,116.41 USD).


This can be said a quite wealthy life in Japan.


Then, the following points might not be reported by Japanese newspapers,
Kei Komuro has enjoyed large amount of privilege as a semi-fiance of a princess until now.

It was all unnatural that he got his jobs at a big bank and a law firm, and he went to study law in America though he has no lawer experience nor certification. He received scholarship for the most excellent student, which is not supposed to be paid with his achievement. Many people think all these are through Akishino family.


His paper got a prize in NY State Bar Association and appeared in its journal, but is the work really worth?
He receives his living cost in NY from his law office but what is the financial source? The president of the firm is said to be close to Akishino.



For your information, Akishino family has been famous for “backdoor admission”.

His two daughters entered International Cristian Univ. which is known for English program, and which is not supposed to be entered by them with their English ability. And his son entered Ochanomizu Elementary School and Junior High School, so is it with his ability.

Hmm I get fed up with writing this for I feel as if I envy them, but these are all true.


To get back to Komuro affair, many people here suspect that a large amount of money has been paid by Akishino, Kiko or Mako upon him. As I mentioned before, it is violation of IF Economy Act.

Even if the idea of female monarchy and Kojo title are washed out by opposition of the public, Mako and Komuro might not be able to play a lone hand after their marriage, so a huge amount of taxmoney will be transferred from Akishino family to them eternally in the future.


For these reasons, Japanese people who are suffering from COVID-19 and the economic problems caused by the decease are mad at Komuro, it’s beyond the simple debt and ethical problems.


and with all help of you, I almost understand the marriage problems of royal members overseas, but I feel the controversial spouses are enough rich and they’re not said "waste of tax". In comparison, Komuro earns no money and has been depending on someone financially all the time. If he were poor but honest, hard-working and financially independent guy (and with no loan trouble, no bullying allegation and many other scandals...), no one would have criticized him…


Can you understand? I'm sorry that I'm not a good English writer, I wonder if it is annoying to read this...