During an interview for her 54th birthday on 11 September, Japan’s Crown Princess, Kiko spoke about her elder daughter’s postponed wedding.
The Crown Princess said that she wants to “respect as much as possible” the feelings of her daughter, Princess Mako, and her daughter’s fiance, Kei Komuro.
The couple were due to wed in 2018 but postponed their wedding that year due to “lack of preparation” and immaturity. However, the postponement came after revelations of money problems in Komuro’s family.
Her Imperial Highness said: “In regards to my eldest daughter’s marriage, we should communicate extensively, and it is important that I accept my daughter’s feelings as a parent and think about the matter together.”
Crown Princess Kiko also spoke about the marriage prospects of her younger daughter, Princess Kako: “I would like to emphasise the importance of communication and listen to her thoughts if we ever talk (about it).”
Princess Mako wanted to postpone her wedding until 2020 after a “series of ceremonies important for the Imperial family have ended smoothly.” This referred grandfather, Emperor Emeritus Akihito’s abdication and her uncle, Emperor Naruhito’s ascension and enthronement last year.
The two years have passed since Princess Mako and Kei Komuro announced that their wedding was on hold. With the COVID-19 pandemic still running rampant across the globe, the chances of the pair getting to wed this year are slim.
Komuro is currently studying law in New York and is expected to graduate next year. The couple have made no official announcements regarding wedding plans, but sources close to the couple say they do still intend to marry and stay in regular contact.
Last November, Princess Mako’s father, Crown Prince Akishino urged his daughter to update the Japanese public on her future plans. At the time he said at a press conference for his birthday: “This coming February marks two years [since the announcement of the postponement of the wedding]. I believe something must be announced about it.”
