Princess Mako’s marriage postponed

February 7, 2018

Tokyo- Ceremonies related to the marriage of Japanese Princess Mako and her fiance, Kei Komuro, have been postponed, the Imperial Household Agency said Tuesday.

In September last year, Princess Mako, 26, and Komuro, her same-age former university classmate, held a joint press conference to announce their engagement. Their engagement ceremony was set for March 4 this year and wedding for Nov. 4 in Tokyo.

The first daughter of Prince Akishino, the second son of Emperor Akihito, said in a statement issued through the agency that there is no sufficient preparation time left for the wedding and related ceremonies as well as for the life after the marriage.

"I am very sorry for causing all people who kindly work together for our marriage so much trouble and putting a greater burden on them," she said.

According to the agency, Princess Mako and Komuro decided to put off their marriage until 2020 in consultations with Prince Akishiro and his wife, Princess Kiko, as well as relevant officials, taking into account events to be held in line with the Emperor's abdication and Crown Prince Naruhito's enthronement next year. The Emperor and Empress Michiko have already been informed of the decision.

At a press conference, an agency official said their intention to get married remains unchanged, denying negative effects from weekly magazine reports on a money problem of Komuro's mother.

New dates for the marriage-related ceremonies are expected to be announced later. Jiji Press