Japan’s Princess Ayako gives up royal title as she marries ‘commoner’ in traditional Shinto wedding
Women not allowed to inherit Chrysanthemum Throne under imperial succession law
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Princess Ayako has married commoner Kei Moriya in a traditional ceremony at Tokyo's Meiji Shrine, to become the latest female royal to leave Japan's imperial family.
The 28-year-old princess, the third daughter of Emperor Akihito's late cousin Prince Takamado, tied the knot on Monday with Kei Moriya, a 32-year-old employee of shipping company Nippon Yusen.
The princess wore a many-layered court kimono and moulded hairdo typical of the imperial aristocracy, while the groom wore a black tuxedo with grey trousers for the ceremony at the shrine dedicated to the spirit of her great-grandfather, Emperor Meiji.
“I'm filled with joy to get married and to have so many people visit us at the Meiji Shrine and congratulate us," Princess Ayako told a news conference after the private Shinto wedding ceremony.
Japanese royals have been given freedom to marry whom they choose for at least three generations.
Emperor Akihito was the first crown prince to marry a commoner, who became Empress Michiko. They met on the tennis court.
Princess Ayako had to renounce her imperial status because she married a commoner, as is the practice for women under Japan's succession law. She will become Ayako Moriya after signing marriage papers later on Monday.
Japan's royal family is experiencing a shortage of males. Crown Prince Naruhito, who takes over after Akihito abdicates next year, his brother Fumihito, his nephew Hisahito and Masahito, the octogenarian brother of the current emperor, are the only four male heirs to the throne left.
The shrinking royal family has raised concerns and calls for changes in the imperial succession law, but conservatives are deeply resistant to allowing females to inherit the Chrysanthemum Throne.
Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments