Emperor, Empress Grieved over Reports on Princess Mako’s Marriage

May 27, 2018

Tokyo- Japan's Imperial Household Agency said Friday that Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko are grieved over speculation in magazines about their thoughts about Princess Mako's planned marriage.

In February, the agency announced a delay in her marriage with Kei Komuro, who was her classmate. A weekly magazine has reported that the Empress made some remarks about the marriage.

In a statement posted on its website, the agency said both the Emperor and the Empress have stayed silent on the matter, wishing to respect the feelings of Princess Mako, 26, a granddaughter of the couple and the eldest daughter of Prince Akishino.

The Empress is "surprised and sad" that the peace and calm of the Akishino family has not been maintained, according to the statement.

The Emperor is also very grieved, the agency said.

Since last December, weekly magazines have repeatedly reported about the financial problems of the mother of Princess Mako's 26-year-old fiance. Jiji Press