Mako and Kei Komuro News and Current Events Part 1: October 2021 -

[iceflower]

Here are some more galleries of the couple’s departure:


** gettyimages gallery ** gettyimages gallery 2 ** rex gallery **

 

[Zonk]

My wishes for the couple are a long, fruitful and happy marriage!

They have put thru the wringer haven't they? Hopefully when they arrive in the US they can begin their married life in peace.

 

[eya]

Welcome and thank you Muffin! I agree with much of your post. For me, it is unclear whether the money has been paid in full or a repayment plan has been agreed to.

Mako spent about 6 hours with her family, leaving Akasaka Estate after 9pm on November 13 according to Jiji.

NHK: Kei has been working remotely while in Japan. Since Mako's ability to travel was uncertain, he was supposed to return to the USA earlier but postponed after her maternal grandfather's death.

Mako and Kei departed from Haneda Airport, passing the security checkpoint before 10am on November 14. They are expected to land at JFK airport. Some 60 reporters and neighbors observed the couple leaving their temporary condo around 8am and 100 reports gathered at the Haneda Airport. Neither the Akishino family nor Kei's mother Kayo went to the airport.

Photos: Asahi, Mainichi, Getty Images

In Photos: Former Princess Mako, Kei Komuro leave Japan to start new life in US - The Mainichi

I understand reservations about the Komuros and the marriage but I do feel for Kei (and his mother) as well. Finally returning to his home country after 3+ years and pandemic restrictions aside, he was unable to freely go anywhere or enjoy being in Yokohama/Tokyo. At least he was able to spend some quality time with his mother during quarantine.

Former princess Mako, husband head for US | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

Former princess Mako, husband leave Japan to start new life in U.S. - Kyodo News

ETA: Mako, now plain Mrs. Komuro, quits Japan for New York | The Asahi Shimbun

Thanks Prisma!

I wish them good luck especially Mako to her new life in New York!

 

[Prisma]

[...]

Someone suggested on this board that Komuro should offer to make a payment plan, to give the man a little bit of money each month until the debt is paid off. Maybe they suggested this but the offer was rejected. Or maybe they thought paying it off all at once is better to finally put this issue to bed.

I've mentioned paying off monthly or similar. There were post and post2 (Asahi English link is gone though) from the engagement/marriage thread, that when the ex-fiance broke the engagement in 2012, Kayo offered to return about 10,000 Yen ($87 USD today) monthly but the man rejected the amount as too low and asked her reconsider. The ex-fiance and the Komuros had a few subsequent exchanges/encounters and then the matter appeared to be dropped.

Thanks Prisma!

I wish them good luck especially Mako to her new life in New York!

You're welcome Eya. Yes, very much luck to the couple. On November 14 around 8:36am EST / 10:36pm JST, Mako and Kei landed at JFK Airport in New York and were escorted away by NYPD and others. The couple bowed/nodded a few times, not answering questions from awaiting press.

Photos: Asahi

 

[Prisma]

Ex-princess's husband pays settlement money over family financial row - Kyodo News

Kei Komuro, the husband of former Japanese princess Mako Komuro, has paid about 4 million yen ($35,000) to his mother's former fiance to settle a financial dispute that has overshadowed their marriage, the former fiance's representative said Thursday.

A total of 4,093,000 yen, the same amount the former fiance gave to the Komuro family to support them, was transferred Monday to a bank account designated by the former fiance, according to a magazine reporter representing him.

[...]

 

[Tatiana Maria]

On November 14 around 8:36am EST / 10:36pm JST, Mako and Kei landed at JFK Airport in New York and were escorted away by NYPD and others. The couple bowed/nodded a few times, not answering questions from awaiting press.

I wonder who decided a squad of protection officers was needed for their exit from the airport, which surely has its own security, and is in any case not a likely site for an attack in front of the journalists and camera crews broadcasting the event.

I'm afraid that images like these will only bolster the arguments that Mako and Kei Komuro will never truly be private citizens and will continue to have access to royal privileges such as publicly funded security, because I doubt that other private citizens working as law clerks in New York are given escorts by the New York Police Department.

It also raises the question of whether there is also a security presence at the Komuros' home and workplace(s) in New York, and if so, who is paying for it.

Ex-princess's husband pays settlement money over family financial row - Kyodo News

I wonder why Kei Komuro or his representative did not release a statement of their own with an explanation of where he secured the funds for the settlement with his former "stepfather". While the ex-fiancé is (hopefully) satisfied with being repaid, a large part of the public was more worried, fairly or unfairly, about the possibility of taxpayer money being rerouted to the Komuros and Kayo's ex-fiancé. It seems the announcement from the ex-fiancé's representative, or at least the parts of it which were translated in the articles, does not say anything to calm those worries.

 

[MichaelB]

I wonder why Kei Komuro or his representative did not release a statement of their own with an explanation of where he secured the funds for the settlement with his former "stepfather".

Because it was, obviously, paid by Mako´s money, and it would not help them to say that openly. There imo isn´t a way for Komuro to have such a sum at this point. (And if there were he would have given it to the ex-fiancé before the marriage, in spring of this year.)
We have seen in the Aiko-tiara-discussion how messy finances in the imperial family are, and that even for the tiaras of the princesses there is not a fixed rule on how they are paid for and who they belong to. They say that Sayako´s tiara was financed from the daily/living expenses for the Emperor, and so it is hers now. But if Sayako had married the wrong guy I am sure a lot of people would argue that the daily/living expenses of the imperial family are funded by the taxpayer, and so it is not hers.
And even if they said that the ex-fiancé was paid by the money Mako earned in her job, everybody and their grandmother would accuse Komuro again of ripping her off and marrying her for the money.
There is no explanation they can give that would help.

It seems to me that many Japanese feel that they sort of own the imperial family because they are living on taxpayer´s money. I do not think that this is fair because that completely takes away any freedom of action they may have left. In my book no amount of money or luxurious lifestyle can pay for that. But that is the system they have.


ETA: I am wondering if they have chosen to publish the details about Sayako´s tiara at this very moment because they want people to get used to the thought that imperial princesses take some of their possessions with them when they leave. Maybe they want this information out for future cases and also as an indirect answer to your question. Even if Mako left without a dowry she was not completely penniless because princesses were always allowed to take with them what is considered theirs, they seem to be saying to us here.
(Otherwise there was no need to inform the public about who the tiara belongs to. They could just have said that Aiko would use Sayako´s tiara. Everybody would have assumed that the tiara belongs to the imperial household and no questions would have been asked.)

 

[iceflower]

Princess Mako has been photographed while shopping in New York City, and the couple has been filmed during a walk, hopefully the paparazzi won‘t follow her on a regular basis now..


** dm video **


** dm article: EXCLUSIVE: Japan's Princess Mako is a fish out of water as she is seen in baggy jeans.. **

 

[JR76]

Princess Mako has been photographed while shopping in New York City, and the couple has been filmed during a walk, hopefully the paparazzi won‘t follow her on a regular basis now..


** dm video **


** dm article: EXCLUSIVE: Japan's Princess Mako is a fish out of water as she is seen in baggy jeans.. **

While it's not illegal to take photos of Mako when she's out in public it seems a bit contradictory to wish for her to be left alone while simultaneously sharing paparazzi photos of her.

 

[iceflower]

In case you are referring to me, I don‘t see any contradictions, we can share links and share our opinions here. I haven’t criticized the paparazzi, I‘ve simply added that I hope they won‘t be followed on a regular basis, that’s all and doesn’t contradict itself.

 

[Heavs]

I suspect she and Kei are something of a novelty right now because of their recent marriage and most of the English speaking media only just writing about the issues with it.

I'm sure in a few weeks time it will have settled down, although I don't know about the Japanese tabloids.

The DM will write about non UK royals if there's gossip or a story but doesn't generally bother to cover them extensively so I doubt it will be constant from them.

 

[irish_royalist]

I haven't really followed this story and it's implications, but if this is a princess who has relinquished her duties to live a 'relatively normal' life with someone who her family would not accept into the Japanese Royal Family - then surely we should wish her all the best, and be thankful that she's able to go out to 'bath, bed and beyond' to buy some essentials?

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Former princess Mako, husband leave Japan to start new life in U.S. - Kyodo News

He took the New York state bar examination in July but failed. The result, which became known immediately after their marriage, was met with surprise in Japan, with a senior Imperial Household Agency official saying it was "unexpected."

He is expected to retake the exam in February. The official, who asked to be anonymous, expressed hope that Kei Komuro "concentrates on preparations for the exam, even if that means he has to take some time off from work," as whether or not he becomes a lawyer will greatly affect the couple's livelihood in New York.

"Surprise" and "unexpected" are euphemisms for "disappointed", I suppose. Without meaning to downplay the controversies over the alleged bullying, dishonesty, etc., these public reactions to Kei's failure to pass the qualifying exam and secure "the couple's livelihood" are affirming that for many people, his humble economic status is counted as a strike against him.

Former princess Mako, husband head for US | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

The couple will be renting an apartment in New York that Komuro's friends helped arrange.

What does it mean that friends helped to arrange their apartment?

The DM will write about non UK royals if there's gossip or a story but doesn't generally bother to cover them extensively so I doubt it will be constant from them.

It is a bit surprising that UK paparazzi were first to track her down in New York. I do not believe that either Mako or Kei Komuro would summon paparazzi or that the couple would be recognizable for the vast majority of British people in New York.

The article states that Mako was not accompanied by any security detail, and it claims to have identified the price range of the couple's apartment, taking information from the building's website. I am sure Japanese royal watchers will already have begun comparing the reported rent against the salaries of law clerks in New York.

While the apartment is a one-bedroom, the building is a luxury residential tower that offers amenities including a fitness center equipped with Peloton bikes, a yoga studio, a screening room, an in-house spa, a golf simulator section, landscaped decks with barbecues and table tennis, a library curated by Strand Book Store, and a 24-hour attended lobby.

The location, right in the heart of the Hell's Kitchen section of Manhattan, is a stone's throw away from famous New York City landmarks including Central Park and Lincoln Center.

According to the building's website, one-bedroom apartments are available for rent for $4,809 per month. A two-bedroom apartment in the building would set the tenant back $7,085 per month.

 

[Heavs]

I haven't really followed this story and it's implications, but if this is a princess who has relinquished her duties to live a 'relatively normal' life with someone who her family would not accept into the Japanese Royal Family - then surely we should wish her all the best, and be thankful that she's able to go out to 'bath, bed and beyond' to buy some essentials?

I think everyone on this board wishes her the best.

The story is a little more complicated than that though. There was never any chance of Kei marrying *into* the Japanese Imperial Family under the current rules even if he had been wealthy aristocrat like others who married Princesses. Mako would always started a new "normal" life away from the family like her aunt and cousins. It's just that with the extra attention on then in Japan because of the financial scandal it was deemed better for them to be more anonymous in NYC for now.

 

[eya]

The couple was spotted on Sunday going for a stroll in New York City


https://people.com/royals/princess-mako-kei-komuro-walk-nyc/

 

[rominet09]

What an handsome couple !

 

[Prinsara]

What does it mean that friends helped to arrange their apartment?

That his friends in NYC found it for them. And were possibly able to help persuade the landlord to rent to them, but that's just a possibility. In New York, it's very much a help to not have to apartment hunt by yourself.

 

[iceflower]

Mako was seen in the streets of New York City:


** dm article: EXCLUSIVE: Japan's Princess Mako carries Christmas gifts as she stops by the apartment building ..**

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Interesting how the article refers to the principle of taxpayers having a voice in imperial matters as "antiquated". I would have thought it was the principle of taxpayers having no influence over the monarchy supported by their taxes that was antiquated.

I wonder if the Daily Mail would label British taxpayers who criticize the British royal family "antiquated" as well.

 

[iceflower]

The dailymail has some news about Kei Komuro:


** dm article: No pressure! Princess Mako's 'commoner' husband Kei Komuro shows off new PONYTAIL as he leaves SECOND attempt at NY State Bar Exam ..**

 

[eya]

Mako Komuro is now reportedly assisting curators at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

" Mako is serving as an unpaid volunteer at the Met. The 30-year old is working within the museum's Asian art collection and has specifically been involved in preparing an exhibition of paintings inspired by the life of a 13th-century monk who traveled throughout Japan as he introduced Buddhism."


https://people.com/royals/japans-fo...after-giving-up-her-titles-to-marry-for-love/

 

[victor1319]

Mako Komuro is now reportedly assisting curators at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

" Mako is serving as an unpaid volunteer at the Met. The 30-year old is working within the museum's Asian art collection and has specifically been involved in preparing an exhibition of paintings inspired by the life of a 13th-century monk who traveled throughout Japan as he introduced Buddhism."

Would it be possible for the Japanese Princess by birth to work for ordinary money, now that she has left her royal status?

I really hope, her Kei gets his license as a lawyer - then he can become an advisor of Japanese firms...

 

[CrownPrincessJava]

Would it be possible for the Japanese Princess by birth to work for ordinary money, now that she has left her royal status?

I really hope, her Kei gets his license as a lawyer - then he can become an advisor of Japanese firms...

I cannot see why not. As an ex-royal, she has free reign to work - paid and unpaid. I think if there are issues, it would be the type of visa she has being in the US, hence why it may be unpaid.

 

[yukari]

Would it be possible for the Japanese Princess by birth to work for ordinary money, now that she has left her royal status?

There's nothing in the Imperial Household Law that forbid her from having a paid-job. Even her aunt, the former Nori-no-miya Sayako Naishinnō (now Kuroda Sayako) worked as research assistant at the Yamashina Institute for Ornithology and reportedly she received salary as researcher. That was when she was still an imperial princess (she quited and becomes full-time housewife after marriage).

 

[victor1319]

There's nothing in the Imperial Household Law that forbid her from having a paid-job...

Thank you very much for the info!

I was just wondering, because there was much talk, that a husband of an Imperial Princess must be able to provide for her livelihood and this at a certain level...

 

[Heavs]

It seems Mako has found work similar to what she was doing part time in Tokyo. I hope she enjoys it.

Thank you very much for the info!

I was just wondering, because there was much talk, that a husband of an Imperial Princess must be able to provide for her livelihood and this at a certain level...

Even in western countries it might raise eyebrows if a Princess left a palace and moved in with a guy who rented a flat above a shop and worked at KFC. - Not that there's anything wrong with that! In the UK most partners/spouses have moved in to palaces or houses on the estate with the non working royal or royal adjacent person and not the other way around probably solving a number of issues for them.

When a princess *has* to leave the family palaces I suppose there is expectation not a rule that she's leaving with a man who can provide for her, especially in past generations where women weren't expected to work as much. That's one reason a government/taxpayer "gift" has traditionally been provided, so they're not being seen as kicked out to the street with "nothing."

And although I'm not Japanese I believe from reading this thread and other sources that marriage in Japan is still somewhat considered a joining of families and family interests rather than just about the two people themselves. Therefore one wants to make sure the family is above board and isn't going to be depending on handouts from the new in laws and it's advantageous to all parties.

Then there's just the general idea that most Princesses have married people already known to/friends with the JIF or those that had traditional jobs so Kei was an outlier anyway.

 

[Prisma]

Aunt Sayako Kuroda is a researcher at the Tamagawa University Education Museum. Grand-aunt Takako Shimazu (former Princess Suga) worked as an interior designer at a Tokyo department store in 1970 and is on the Board of Directors of the Prince Hotels chain.

Husband of Japanese ex-princess not on N.Y. bar exam pass list again - Kyodo News

The name of the husband of Japanese former princess Mako Komuro did not appear on the pass list of the New York state bar examination released Thursday local time by its organizer.

Having previously failed the New York state bar exam last July, Kei Komuro took the test again in February this year.

[...]

 

[Moonmaiden23]

Oh dear. Now what?

 

[Prinsara]

I think he gets one more try. …Or he will find something else to do.

If he can’t pass I suppose it could affect his employment/immigration status.

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Oh dear. Now what?

Well, it won't relieve the Akishino family from all of the conspiracy theories claiming that every single one of Kei Komuro's achievements was invented by various New York educational and professional institutions who were intimidated by the immense global threat of the Japanese crown prince ...

For more reasonable royal watchers, I think it will underline the longtime criticisms of Kei as someone who does not approach his responsibilities seriously and/or is unable to keep a former princess in the style the public deems proper.