Cyanealamarckii (talk | contribs) →Marriage: This is editorializing, Fordham' LLM page states that "Applicants to the LL.M. program generally must hold a J.D. (Juris Doctor) from an ABA-approved U.S. law school or a first law degree (J.D., LL.B., or the equivalent) from a foreign law school or university at the time of matriculation." One could expect the majority of applicants to hold a JD, but Fordham is clear that it's not an absolute requirement. |
Morbidthoughts (talk | contribs) →Marriage: an article about Mako, not Kei Komuro; a lot of WP:UNDUE detail also |
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[[File:Kei Komuro 20170903.jpg|thumb|right|Kei Komuro at the press conference held for the couple's engagement announcement, 3 September 2017]] |
[[File:Kei Komuro 20170903.jpg|thumb|right|Kei Komuro at the press conference held for the couple's engagement announcement, 3 September 2017]] |
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In May 2017, it was announced that the Princess was expected to marry Kei Komuro, a graduate of [[International Christian University]] (ICU).<ref>{{cite web|last1=Yoshida|first1=Reiji|title=Princess Mako, granddaughter of Emperor, set to marry ex-classmate|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/05/16/national/princess-mako-granddaughter-emperor-set-marry-ex-classmate/|website=The Japan Times Online|access-date=4 September 2021|date=16 May 2017}}</ref><ref name="engaged-BBC">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-39957217|title=Princess Mako to lose Japan royal status by marrying commoner|publisher=BBC|date=18 May 2017|access-date=4 September 2021}}</ref> The two had been reportedly dating since 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://people.com/royals/japan-princess-mako-postpones-wedding-again/|title=Japan's Princess Mako, Who's Giving up Royal Status to Marry Commoner, Postpones Wedding Again|work=People|first=Peter|last=Mikelbank|date=13 November 2020|accessdate=27 October 2021}}</ref> |
In May 2017, it was announced that the Princess was expected to marry Kei Komuro, a graduate of [[International Christian University]] (ICU).<ref>{{cite web|last1=Yoshida|first1=Reiji|title=Princess Mako, granddaughter of Emperor, set to marry ex-classmate|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/05/16/national/princess-mako-granddaughter-emperor-set-marry-ex-classmate/|website=The Japan Times Online|access-date=4 September 2021|date=16 May 2017}}</ref><ref name="engaged-BBC">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-39957217|title=Princess Mako to lose Japan royal status by marrying commoner|publisher=BBC|date=18 May 2017|access-date=4 September 2021}}</ref> The two had been reportedly dating since 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://people.com/royals/japan-princess-mako-postpones-wedding-again/|title=Japan's Princess Mako, Who's Giving up Royal Status to Marry Commoner, Postpones Wedding Again|work=People|first=Peter|last=Mikelbank|date=13 November 2020|accessdate=27 October 2021}}</ref> |
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In July 2014, after graduating from [[International Christian University]], he started to work at [[Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group]], Inc. for less than two years. Since 2016, he had been working at the Okuno & Partners law firm.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.okunolaw.com/en/|title=OKUNO&PARTNERS|location=Tokyo, Japan|accessdate=24 February 2023}}</ref> While he was working as a part time paralegal, he attended night classes which were taught in Japanese at [[Hitotsubashi University]]: [[Graduate School of International Corporate Strategy]] (ICS) which was established for working adults to study the management and finance course in 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mext.go.jp/b_menu/hakusho/html/hpac200101/hpac200101_2_085.html|title=Educational Reform for the 21st Century,EDUCATIONAL REFORM Q&A|publisher=Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology|location=Tokyo,Japan|accessdate=18 February 2023}}</ref> In March 2018, he graduated with a MA degree from ICS. Since April 2018, the Business Law Department, ICS has become part of the Graduate School of Law.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.law.hit-u.ac.jp/eng/bl/#|title=A graduate school specializing in commercial law, designed for working adults|publisher=Department of Business Law,Graduate School of Law, Hitotsubashi University|location=Tokyo,Japan|accessdate=20 February 2023}}</ref>The donating funds, including earmarked contributions such as for scholarships to [[Hitotsubashi University]] were reported ¥1,353 million ($10 million) in FY2018 .<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kikin.ad.hit-u.ac.jp/application/files/5616/4001/4138/report_2018.pdf|title=Hitotusbashi University- FUND UTILIZATION REPORT, FY 2018|publisher= Hitotsubashi University Foundation|location=Kunitachi City,Tokyo,Japan|accessdate=28 February 2023}}</ref> |
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In August 2018, he entered the Fordham law school's one-year LL.M. program in the US. He received the Martin Scholarship<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.law.fordham.edu/blog/2018/07/05/kei-komuro-fiance-of-princess-mako-of-japan-to-attend-fordham-law/|title=Kei Komuro to attend Fordham Law|publisher=[[Fordham University School of Law]] |location=New York City, New York |date=5 July 2018|accessdate=5 February 2023}}</ref> covering the full cost of tuition from [[Fordham University School of Law]]. In 2019, the names of degree candidates of [[Fordham University School of Law ]] were listed in the program for the school's diploma ceremony on 20 May and he was named as a master's degree (before gaining the JD degree or equivalent) recipient with the ''[[cum laude]]'' designation.<ref>{{cite book |title=2019 PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS|date=July 11, 2019|publisher=Fordham University School of Law |location=New York City, New York |page=10|url=https://www.fordham.edu/download/downloads/id/13424/diploma_ceremony_2019_prizes_and_awards.pdf|access-date=24 February 2023}}</ref> He was absent from the ceremony, but the chair labeled with his name was provided as a vacant seat, according to the [[All-Nippon News Network]].<ref>{{cite book |title=TICKET DISTRIBUTION|publisher=Fordham University School of Law Office of Student Affairs|location=New York, NY 10023|url=https://www.fordham.edu/info/21641/preparing_for_graduation|access-date=26 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=眞子様と婚約内定の小室圭さん NYの大学を卒業 (19/05/21)|date=May 20, 2019|publisher=ANN news|location=Tokyo,Japan|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hovyZ8XyLWQ|access-date=24 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://vimeo.com/338050226|title=Fordham Law School Diploma Ceremony 2019|publisher=Fordham Law School via parallel uploader|location=New York City, New York |accessdate=25 February 2023}}</ref> |
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In August 2019, he entered the Fordham law school's JD program for two years (official JD degree program is 3 years for full time students<ref>{{cite web|url=https://digital.law.fordham.edu/viewbook-2019-2020/|title=Degree Programs Juris Doctor |publisher=Fordham University School of Law |location=New York City, New York|accessdate=5 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.law.fordham.edu/blog/2018/07/05/kei-komuro-fiance-of-princess-mako-of-japan-to-attend-fordham-law/|title=Kei Komuro to attend Fordham Law|publisher=Fordham University School of Law |location=New York City, New York |date=5 July 2018|accessdate=5 February 2023}}</ref>) despite the school's policy does not permit any advance credits from LLM program.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fordham.edu/info/29784/transfer_programl|title=JD admission (Trasfer from LLM)|publisher=Fordham University School of Law |location=New York City, New York |date=5 February 2023|accessdate=5 February 2023}}</ref> Unlike other students without taking the law school admission test, he received the merit scholarship for entering the JD program as well.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.line.me/detail/oa-shujoprime/9c2f5c71a86c|title=小室圭さん新疑惑!最初から特別待遇留学?|publisher=週刊女性PRIME|location=Japan|date=9 September 2019|accessdate=11 February 2023}}</ref> Also, he received special recognitions from Fordham’s Entrepreneurial Law Clinic, where launched in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lowenstein.com/people/attorneys/kei-komuro|title=Kei Komuro's BIO|publisher=[[Lowenstein Sandler|Lowenstein Sandler LLP]] |accessdate=23 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.law.fordham.edu/blog/2017/08/24/fordham-law-school-launches-innovative-entrepreneurial-law-clinic-led-by-bernice-grant/|title=Fordham Law School Launches Innovative Entrepreneurial Law Clinic Led by Bernice Grant|date=24 August 2017|publisher=Fordham Law News |location=New York|accessdate=23 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.law.fordham.edu/startuplawnchpad/2020/04/21/s2-episode-10-the-funding-spectrum-from-seed-financing-to-private-equity/|title=S2, Episode 10: The Funding Spectrum — From Seed Financing to Private Equity|date=20 April 2020|publisher=Fordham Law News |location=New York|accessdate=23 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-funding-spectrum-from-seed-financing-to-private-equity/id1435934672?i=1000472217653|title=The Funding Spectrum — From Seed Financing to Private Equity(the original podcast)|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=27 February 2023}}</ref> |
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In 2021, the names of degree candidates of [[Fordham University School of Law ]] were listed in the program for the school's virtual diploma ceremony on 23 May and he was named as a [[Juris Doctor]] degree recipient.<ref>{{cite book |title=Fordham University Commencement 2021|date=16 September 2021|publisher=Fordham University School |location=New York City, New York|page=35|url=https://www.fordham.edu/media/home/admin-use-only/pdfs/Commencement_Program_2021.pdf|access-date= 27 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=School of Law 114th Diploma Ceremony 2021 |date=May 20, 2021 |publisher=Fordham University School of Law |location=New York City, New York |page=16 |url=https://www.fordham.edu/download/downloads/id/15568/DiplomaCeremony_2021_virtual_program.pdf |access-date= 27 February 2023}}</ref> The lists that appear in the booklet were prepared by the registrar prior to 22 May 2021 and do not represent the final lists of graduates, except where stated as conferred.<ref>{{cite book |title=Fordham University Commencement 2021|date=September 16, 2021|publisher=Fordham University |location=New York City, New York|page=7|url=https://www.fordham.edu/media/home/admin-use-only/pdfs/Commencement_Program_2021.pdf|access-date=27 February 2023}}</ref> His name is not listed on the recognition page of Commencement for the Class of 2021 at [[Fordham University]].<ref>{{cite book |title=The recognition page for the Class of 2021|publisher=Fordham University School |location=New York City, New York |url=https://nc-vc-ceremonies.s3.amazonaws.com/s/fardham/index.html?#|access-date=9 January 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Commencement for the Class of 2021|publisher=Fordham University |location=New York City, New York |url=https://www.fordham.edu/commencement/past-ceremonies/commencement-for-the-class-of-2021/|access-date=27 February 2023}}</ref> On September 2, [[Joseph M. McShane]] announced his plan to step down as president of [[Fordham University ]] after 19 years of serving in June 2022.<ref>{{cite book |title=Father McShane to Step Down as President of Fordham in June 2022|date = September 3, 2021|publisher=Fordham News|location=New York City, New York |url=https://news.fordham.edu/university-news/father-mcshane-to-step-down-as-president-of-fordham-in-june-2022/|access-date=27 February 2023}}</ref> |
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All [[Kei Komuro]]'s living costs in New York were supported through the Okuno & Partners law firm, while he was studying. Also, his former work place, the largest bank in Japan, MUFG Bank Ltd., is listed as one of the donors and sponsors to [[Fordham University School of Law]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fordham.edu/info/22677/about_us/5271/donors_and_sponsors|title=Donors and Sponsors|publisher=Fordham University School of Law |location=New York City, New York |accessdate=5 February 2023}}</ref> A month before his marriage, on 21 September, [[MUFG]] and [[MUFG Bank]], a core banking subsidiary of MUFG, announced an agreement to sell all shares of [[MUFG Union Bank]], N.A., MUFG’s subsidiary owned through [[MUFG Americas Holdings Corporation]], to [[U.S. Bancorp]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mufgamericas.com/who-we-are/news/mufg-completes-sale-mufg-union-bank-na-us-bancorp|title=MUFG Completes Sale of MUFG Union Bank, N.A. to U.S. Bancorp|publisher=MUFG|date=1 December 2022|access-date=14 February 2023}}</ref> |
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The wedding was originally expected to take place in November 2018,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://time.com/4926285/japan-princess-mako-engagement-royal-title/|title=Japan's Princess Mako Gives Up her Royal Status to Marry a Commoner|publisher=Time|date=3 September 2017|access-date=4 September 2021}}</ref> but it was postponed for approximately three years due to Komuro's mother's involvement in a financial dispute. A Japanese weekly magazine reported she had received over ¥4 million ($36,000) from her former fiancé, some of which went towards paying Komuro's tuition fees. The dispute resulted in the imperial family's and the public's disapproval of the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/06/22/national/princess-makos-marriage-prospects-unknown-crown-prince-akishino-says/|title=Princess Mako's marriage prospects unknown, Crown Prince Akishino says|publisher=The Japan Times|date=22 June 2019|access-date=4 September 2021}}</ref><ref name="Guardian-Oct2021">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/oct/01/princess-mako-wedding-announcement-creates-media-frenzy-in-japan|title=Princess Mako wedding announcement stirs up media frenzy in Japan|work=The Guardian|first=Justin|last=McCurry|date=1 October 2021|accessdate=1 October 2021}}</ref> Early in 2021, Komuro released a 28-page statement, mentioning that his mother initially believed the money was a gift and added that he wished to pay it back.<ref name="CNN-Oct">{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/25/asia/japan-princess-mako-marries-intl-hnk/index.html|title=Japan's Princess Mako marries non-royal boyfriend Kei Komuro in subdued ceremony|work=CNN|first1=Junko|last1=Ogura|first2=Nectar|last2=Gan|date=26 October 2021|accessdate=26 October 2021}}</ref> In September 2021, it was reported that the marriage would take place in the form of a simple ceremony at a government office, with the date later announced as 26 October 2021, three days after Mako's 30th birthday.<ref name=KIRK>{{cite web|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2021/09/princess-mako-japan-turned-down-goverment-payout-before-wedding-kei-komuro-commoner-forfeit-royal-titles|title=Princess Mako of Japan Turns Down $1.3 Million Government Payout Ahead of Her Marriage to a Commoner|publisher=Vanity Fair|first=Emily|last=Kirkpatrick|date=2 September 2021|access-date=4 September 2021}}</ref><ref name="Guardian-Oct2021"/><ref>{{Cite web|title=Japan's Princess Mako celebrates final birthday as member of imperial family before wedding to commoner|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/22/asia/japan-princess-mako-birthday-intl-hnk/index.html|access-date=23 October 2021|website=CNN}}</ref> |
The wedding was originally expected to take place in November 2018,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://time.com/4926285/japan-princess-mako-engagement-royal-title/|title=Japan's Princess Mako Gives Up her Royal Status to Marry a Commoner|publisher=Time|date=3 September 2017|access-date=4 September 2021}}</ref> but it was postponed for approximately three years due to Komuro's mother's involvement in a financial dispute. A Japanese weekly magazine reported she had received over ¥4 million ($36,000) from her former fiancé, some of which went towards paying Komuro's tuition fees. The dispute resulted in the imperial family's and the public's disapproval of the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/06/22/national/princess-makos-marriage-prospects-unknown-crown-prince-akishino-says/|title=Princess Mako's marriage prospects unknown, Crown Prince Akishino says|publisher=The Japan Times|date=22 June 2019|access-date=4 September 2021}}</ref><ref name="Guardian-Oct2021">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/oct/01/princess-mako-wedding-announcement-creates-media-frenzy-in-japan|title=Princess Mako wedding announcement stirs up media frenzy in Japan|work=The Guardian|first=Justin|last=McCurry|date=1 October 2021|accessdate=1 October 2021}}</ref> Early in 2021, Komuro released a 28-page statement, mentioning that his mother initially believed the money was a gift and added that he wished to pay it back.<ref name="CNN-Oct">{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/25/asia/japan-princess-mako-marries-intl-hnk/index.html|title=Japan's Princess Mako marries non-royal boyfriend Kei Komuro in subdued ceremony|work=CNN|first1=Junko|last1=Ogura|first2=Nectar|last2=Gan|date=26 October 2021|accessdate=26 October 2021}}</ref> In September 2021, it was reported that the marriage would take place in the form of a simple ceremony at a government office, with the date later announced as 26 October 2021, three days after Mako's 30th birthday.<ref name=KIRK>{{cite web|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2021/09/princess-mako-japan-turned-down-goverment-payout-before-wedding-kei-komuro-commoner-forfeit-royal-titles|title=Princess Mako of Japan Turns Down $1.3 Million Government Payout Ahead of Her Marriage to a Commoner|publisher=Vanity Fair|first=Emily|last=Kirkpatrick|date=2 September 2021|access-date=4 September 2021}}</ref><ref name="Guardian-Oct2021"/><ref>{{Cite web|title=Japan's Princess Mako celebrates final birthday as member of imperial family before wedding to commoner|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/22/asia/japan-princess-mako-birthday-intl-hnk/index.html|access-date=23 October 2021|website=CNN}}</ref> |
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On 26 October 2021, Princess Mako officially married Komuro following the submission of their marriage document at the local ward office.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tatlerasia.com/culture/entertainment/japan-princess-mako-marries-commoner-kei-komuro|title=Japan's Princess Mako Finally Marries Commoner Boyfriend Kei Komuro After Years of Controversy|publisher=Tatler Asia|date=26 October 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NYT-Oct">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/25/world/asia/japan-royal-wedding-princess-mako.html|title=At Last, a Royal Wedding. But No Trumpets, Just a News Conference|work=The New York Times|date=26 October 2021|access-date=26 October 2021|language=en|last1=Rich|first1=Motoko|last2=Inoue|first2=Makiko}}</ref> Like her paternal aunt, [[Sayako Kuroda|Sayako, Princess Nori]], and other princesses who married commoners in recent decades she formally lost her title and became a commoner upon marriage as required by [[Imperial Household Law]].<ref name="CNN-Oct"/> In light of the scandals surrounding her husband's family, she also gave up the Japanese government's taxpayer funded payment of ¥140 million ($1.3 million USD) given to royal women upon leaving the Imperial Family.<ref name="AssociatedP-Oct">{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/japan-princess-mako-wedding-royal-status-888700204e714145be58e320f1dc0fe0|title=Japan's Princess Mako marries commoner, loses royal status|first=Mari|last=Yamaguchi|work=Associated Press|date=26 October 2021|accessdate=26 October 2021}}</ref> She is the first female member of the imperial family to forgo an official wedding ceremony and a gift of money from the government.<ref name="BBC-Oct26">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-59046476|title=Japan's Princess Mako finally marries commoner boyfriend Kei Komuro|work=BBC|date=26 October 2021|accessdate=26 October 2021}}</ref> |
On 26 October 2021, Princess Mako officially married Komuro following the submission of their marriage document at the local ward office.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tatlerasia.com/culture/entertainment/japan-princess-mako-marries-commoner-kei-komuro|title=Japan's Princess Mako Finally Marries Commoner Boyfriend Kei Komuro After Years of Controversy|publisher=Tatler Asia|date=26 October 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NYT-Oct">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/25/world/asia/japan-royal-wedding-princess-mako.html|title=At Last, a Royal Wedding. But No Trumpets, Just a News Conference|work=The New York Times|date=26 October 2021|access-date=26 October 2021|language=en|last1=Rich|first1=Motoko|last2=Inoue|first2=Makiko}}</ref> Like her paternal aunt, [[Sayako Kuroda|Sayako, Princess Nori]], and other princesses who married commoners in recent decades she formally lost her title and became a commoner upon marriage as required by [[Imperial Household Law]].<ref name="CNN-Oct"/> In light of the scandals surrounding her husband's family, she also gave up the Japanese government's taxpayer funded payment of ¥140 million ($1.3 million USD) given to royal women upon leaving the Imperial Family.<ref name="AssociatedP-Oct">{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/japan-princess-mako-wedding-royal-status-888700204e714145be58e320f1dc0fe0|title=Japan's Princess Mako marries commoner, loses royal status|first=Mari|last=Yamaguchi|work=Associated Press|date=26 October 2021|accessdate=26 October 2021}}</ref> She is the first female member of the imperial family to forgo an official wedding ceremony and a gift of money from the government.<ref name="BBC-Oct26">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-59046476|title=Japan's Princess Mako finally marries commoner boyfriend Kei Komuro|work=BBC|date=26 October 2021|accessdate=26 October 2021}}</ref> |
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While awaiting her passport issuance and US Visa, she moved to her own residence in the Shibuya district in Tokyo as she is by law not allowed to live at her parents' house inside the imperial quarters.<ref>{{Cite news | title=眞子さま渋谷区内のマンションで渡米準備 あす婚姻届提出後に皇籍離脱 | url=https://news.tbs.co.jp/newseye/tbs_newseye4389894.html | work=TBS News| date=25 October 2021 | access-date=25 October 2021 | language=ja}}</ref> The couple departed for New York in mid-November 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/13/asia/former-japan-princess-mako-moves-to-us/index.html|title=Former Japanese princess moves to New York with newlywed husband|work=CNN|first=Philip|last=Wang|date=13 November 2021|accessdate=14 November 2021}}</ref> |
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On 27 February, 2023 he was admitted as an attorney in New York State .(The Detail Report contains information that has been provided by the attorney listed, with the exception of REGISTRATION STATUS, which is generated from the OCA database. ) |
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==Health== |
==Health== |
Revision as of 22:49, 1 March 2023
Mako Komuro | |
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Born | Princess Mako of Akishino (眞子内親王) 23 October 1991 |
Occupation | Researcher at The University Museum, The University of Tokyo (formerly) |
Spouse | |
Parents |
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Relatives | Imperial House of Japan |
Mako Komuro (小室 眞子, Komuro Mako, born 23 October 1991), formerly Princess Mako of Akishino[1][2] (眞子内親王, Mako Naishinnō), is a former member of the Japanese imperial family. She is the eldest child of Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko, niece of Emperor Naruhito, and granddaughter of Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko. She married Kei Komuro, a law clerk, on 26 October 2021. As a result of her marriage to a commoner, she gave up her imperial title and left the imperial family, as required by the Imperial Household Law.
Early life and education
Mako Komuro was born Princess Mako of Akishino on 23 October 1991 to Fumihito, Prince Akishino, and Kiko, Princess Akishino, at Imperial Household Agency Hospital in Tokyo Imperial Palace, Chiyoda, Tokyo. She has a younger sister, Princess Kako, and a younger brother, Prince Hisahito. Mako was educated at the Gakushūin School in her Primary, Girls' Junior and Senior High School years. She studied English at University College, Dublin (UCD), in July–August 2010.[3] She had an informal talk with the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, and she visited Northern Ireland.[4]
The Princess graduated from the International Christian University in Mitaka, Tokyo, on 26 March 2014 with a bachelor's degree in Art and Cultural Heritage.[5] She obtained Japanese national certification in curation as well as a driver's license while she was an undergraduate student.[6][7] She later studied art history at the University of Edinburgh for nine months, from September 2012 to May 2013.[8][9][10][11] On 17 September 2014, she left for the United Kingdom where she studied at the University of Leicester for a year,[12] receiving an MA degree in Art Museum and Gallery Studies on 21 January 2016.[13][14] In September 2016, she enrolled in the doctoral course of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, International Christian University.[5]
Public life
Mako has been considered by some to be an internet idol since 2004, when images of her in sailor fuku appeared on television. An image repository was set up, and a video featuring fanart of Komuro was uploaded onto the popular video-sharing website Nico Nico Douga, attracting over 340,000 views and 86,000 comments. The Imperial Household Agency, responding to a request for comment, stated that they are not sure how they should handle this phenomenon, since they see no signs of slander or insults against the Imperial Family.[15]
In 2011, Princess Mako came of age and was conferred Grand Cordon of the Order of the Precious Crown on 23 October. Since then, she began attending official events as an adult member of the Imperial Family.[16] She gave her patronage to a number of organizations, including the Japan Tennis Association and the Japan Kōgei Association.[5]
Official visits
- December 2015 – El Salvador and Honduras[17]
- September 2016 – Paraguay[18]
- June 2017 – Bhutan[19]
- August 2017 – Hungary[20]
- July 2018 – Brazil[21]
- July 2019 – Peru and Bolivia[22]
Personal interests
In August 2006, Mako visited Vienna, Austria for two weeks on a school-sponsored homestay program. She stayed in the home of an Austrian citizen who was a colleague of Tatsuhiko Kawashima, her maternal grandfather. Because Mako is interested in art and architecture, she visited the museums, St. Stephen's Cathedral and Schönbrunn Palace.[23][24]
In July 2011, she worked as a volunteer in the affected areas of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami without revealing her identity.[25]
She became a project researcher at The University Museum, The University of Tokyo on 1 April 2016.[26]
In April 2022, it was reported that she was working as an unpaid volunteer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, assisting curators within the museum's Asian art collection.[27]
Marriage
In May 2017, it was announced that the Princess was expected to marry Kei Komuro, a graduate of International Christian University (ICU).[28][29] The two had been reportedly dating since 2013.[30]
The wedding was originally expected to take place in November 2018,[31] but it was postponed for approximately three years due to Komuro's mother's involvement in a financial dispute. A Japanese weekly magazine reported she had received over ¥4 million ($36,000) from her former fiancé, some of which went towards paying Komuro's tuition fees. The dispute resulted in the imperial family's and the public's disapproval of the match.[32][33] Early in 2021, Komuro released a 28-page statement, mentioning that his mother initially believed the money was a gift and added that he wished to pay it back.[34] In September 2021, it was reported that the marriage would take place in the form of a simple ceremony at a government office, with the date later announced as 26 October 2021, three days after Mako's 30th birthday.[35][33][36]
On 26 October 2021, Princess Mako officially married Komuro following the submission of their marriage document at the local ward office.[37][38] Like her paternal aunt, Sayako, Princess Nori, and other princesses who married commoners in recent decades she formally lost her title and became a commoner upon marriage as required by Imperial Household Law.[34] In light of the scandals surrounding her husband's family, she also gave up the Japanese government's taxpayer funded payment of ¥140 million ($1.3 million USD) given to royal women upon leaving the Imperial Family.[39] She is the first female member of the imperial family to forgo an official wedding ceremony and a gift of money from the government.[40]
While awaiting her passport issuance and US Visa, she moved to her own residence in the Shibuya district in Tokyo as she is by law not allowed to live at her parents' house inside the imperial quarters.[41] The couple departed for New York in mid-November 2021.[42]
Health
Weeks before her planned wedding, the Imperial Household Agency announced on behalf of Princess Mako that she had recently been diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) by the head of the quality assurance room of the NTT Tokyo Medical Center.[43] The diagnosis determined that the C-PTSD originated during her primary high school years and continued due to strong criticism from imperial family members and the media.[44][33][45]
Titles, styles, and honours
Titles and styles
Mako was styled as Her Imperial Highness Princess Mako[5] until her marriage on 26 October 2021, after which she became known as Mrs. Kei Komuro.[46][47]
Honours
National honours
- Japan: Grand Cordon of the Order of the Precious Crown (23 October 2011)[48]
Foreign honours
- Brazil: Grand Cross of the Order of Rio Branco (12 October 2021)[49]
- Paraguay: Grand Cross of the National Order of Merit (5 October 2021)[50]
References
- ^ "Visit of the General Public to the Palace for His Majesty's Birthday". The Imperial Household Agency. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
- ^ "Number of Imperial Telegrams (1991)". The Imperial Household Agency. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
- ^ "Japanese royal to spend time in Dublin studying English". The Irish Times. 18 June 2010. Retrieved 11 April 2016.
- ^ "「眞子さま、アイルランドから帰国 」". The Nikkei (in Japanese). 15 August 2010. Retrieved 11 April 2016.
- ^ a b c d "Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino and their family". The Imperial Household Agency. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
- ^ "「眞子さま、国際基督教大学をご卒業 「感謝しています」 」". Sankei Shimbun (in Japanese). 26 March 2014. Retrieved 11 April 2016.
- ^ 「〈眞子さま〉国際基督教大学を卒業「一生の思い出の4年間」 Mainichi Shimbun 26 March 2014
- ^ "Japan's Princess Mako to study at Edinburgh University". deadlinenews.co.uk. 5 June 2012.
- ^ "Princess Mako describes life at British university as 'fruitful' - The Japan Times". The Japan Times. 29 May 2013.
- ^ "Hosting royalty". ed.ac.uk. 4 June 2013. Archived from the original on 27 March 2014.
- ^ "眞子さまが9月に英国ご留学". MSN Sankei News (in Japanese). Sankei Shimbun. 3 August 2012. Archived from the original on 19 December 2012. Retrieved 11 April 2016.
- ^ "Princess Mako leaves for one year of study in England ‹ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion". japantoday.com.
- ^ Press-release: Japanese Princess to attend University of Leicester graduation ceremony - website University of Leicester
- ^ "Japanese Princess attends graduation ceremony". Retrieved 22 January 2016.
- ^ "ネットで大人気「眞子様萌え」! 宮内庁は困惑気味?" [Popular on the net, "Mako-sama Moe"! Is the Imperial Household Agency confused ?]. Yahoo! Netallica (in Japanese). 15 June 2008. Archived from the original on 18 June 2008.
- ^ "Japan's Princess Mako turns 20 and becomes newest adult member of Imperial Family". Telegraph.co.uk. 24 October 2011.
- ^ "Japan's Princess Mako starts Central America visit". Yahoo! Finance. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
- ^ "Japan's Princess Mako begins second official visit to Paraguay - Hoy San Diego". www.sandiegouniontribune.com. 6 September 2016. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
- ^ "Princess Mako begins a nine-day official visit to Bhutan". The Japan Times Online. 31 May 2017. ISSN 0447-5763. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
- ^ "Princess Mako visits folk museum in Hungary with father Prince Akishino". The Japan Times. 20 August 2017. Retrieved 6 January 2018.
- ^ "Japanese Princess Mako Begins Visit do Brazil's Biggest City". The New York Times. 21 July 2018. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
- ^ "Japan's Princess Mako meets with Peruvian president". Kyodo News. 12 July 2019. Retrieved 14 July 2019.
- ^ 「眞子さまがホームステイ 夏にオーストリアへ」[permanent dead link] Hokkaido Shimbun 11 July 2006 10:44
- ^ 「世界遺産の宮殿を見学 ウィーンで眞子さま」 Chugoku Shimbun 12 August 2006
- ^ 眞子さま、身分を隠しボランティア活動「実際に行ってみないとわからない…」
- ^ "「研究部」". The University Museum, The University of Tokyo (in Japanese). Retrieved 15 September 2016.
- ^ Mikelbank, Peter (11 April 2022). "Japan's Former Princess Mako Lands New Job in N.Y.C. After Giving Up Titles to Marry for Love". People. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
- ^ Yoshida, Reiji (16 May 2017). "Princess Mako, granddaughter of Emperor, set to marry ex-classmate". The Japan Times Online. Retrieved 4 September 2021.
- ^ "Princess Mako to lose Japan royal status by marrying commoner". BBC. 18 May 2017. Retrieved 4 September 2021.
- ^ Mikelbank, Peter (13 November 2020). "Japan's Princess Mako, Who's Giving up Royal Status to Marry Commoner, Postpones Wedding Again". People. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
- ^ "Japan's Princess Mako Gives Up her Royal Status to Marry a Commoner". Time. 3 September 2017. Retrieved 4 September 2021.
- ^ "Princess Mako's marriage prospects unknown, Crown Prince Akishino says". The Japan Times. 22 June 2019. Retrieved 4 September 2021.
- ^ a b c McCurry, Justin (1 October 2021). "Princess Mako wedding announcement stirs up media frenzy in Japan". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 October 2021.
- ^ a b Ogura, Junko; Gan, Nectar (26 October 2021). "Japan's Princess Mako marries non-royal boyfriend Kei Komuro in subdued ceremony". CNN. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
- ^ Kirkpatrick, Emily (2 September 2021). "Princess Mako of Japan Turns Down $1.3 Million Government Payout Ahead of Her Marriage to a Commoner". Vanity Fair. Retrieved 4 September 2021.
- ^ "Japan's Princess Mako celebrates final birthday as member of imperial family before wedding to commoner". CNN. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
- ^ "Japan's Princess Mako Finally Marries Commoner Boyfriend Kei Komuro After Years of Controversy". Tatler Asia. 26 October 2021.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Rich, Motoko; Inoue, Makiko (26 October 2021). "At Last, a Royal Wedding. But No Trumpets, Just a News Conference". The New York Times. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
- ^ Yamaguchi, Mari (26 October 2021). "Japan's Princess Mako marries commoner, loses royal status". Associated Press. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
- ^ "Japan's Princess Mako finally marries commoner boyfriend Kei Komuro". BBC. 26 October 2021. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
- ^ "眞子さま渋谷区内のマンションで渡米準備 あす婚姻届提出後に皇籍離脱". TBS News (in Japanese). 25 October 2021. Retrieved 25 October 2021.
- ^ Wang, Philip (13 November 2021). "Former Japanese princess moves to New York with newlywed husband". CNN. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
- ^ "眞子さま、「複雑性PTSD」と診断 宮内庁が発表". The Asahi Shimbun (in Japanese). The Asahi Shimbun. 1 October 2021. Archived from the original on 1 October 2021. Retrieved 25 October 2021.
- ^ "Princess Mako's marriage prospects unknown, Crown Prince Akishino says". The Japan Times. 22 June 2019. Retrieved 4 September 2021.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
WSJ-Oct2021
was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino and their family". The Imperial Household Agency. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
- ^ "Japan's Princess Mako gives up royal status to marry boyfriend she met at university". Evening Standard. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
- ^ "Why Princess Mako's nuptials with commoner is no fairy tale wedding; Japan stands divided".
- ^ "Brazil Decorates Princess Mako". Nippon.com.
- ^ "Crown Prince Akishino, Princess Mako Get Medals from Paraguay". 5 October 2021.
External links
- Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino and their family at the Imperial Household Agency website