Mako of Japan’s story sounds like something out of a romantic movie. She fell in love at the University of Tokyo with somebody who isn’t part of the royal family and risked everything for that relationship. Despite constant obstacles that nearly derailed their plans, they remained engaged for four years. But after all that time, they finally got to say “I do” and start a new life in the U.S. With that decision, the princess gave up everything: her title, status, jewelry, financial privileges, and even her family. That’s why the Imperial Family’s latest move has come as such a surprise: they’ve confirmed the most anticipated news about Emperor Naruhito’s niece.
© Getty ImagesDuring a press conference, Japan’s Imperial Household Agency confirmed a rumor that had been circulating for days: Mako and Kei Komuro have become parents for the first time. The agency’s spokesperson, Naomasa Yoshida, didn’t share any details about the baby. So, the exact birth date and whether the first grandchild of Crown Prince Fumihito and Princess Kiko is a boy or girl remain unknown. What they did say is that the heir to the Chrysanthemum Throne and his two other children, Princess Kako and Prince Hisahito, are thrilled about the birth and wish the family happiness.
© Getty ImagesRumors of Mako’s pregnancy had surfaced months ago but were never confirmed. Last week, a Japanese outlet published photos of the couple walking through a New York park with a baby stroller. Although the images provided strong evidence, the Imperial Family decided to remain silent. Now they’ve explained the delay in making the announcement: “This involves someone who has left the Imperial Family, and we wanted her to spend her time in peace. However, we decided to announce this in light of recent media reports.”
Mako of Japan now lives a completely anonymous life in the city of skyscrapers, where she moved right after getting married in a simple civil ceremony in 2021. That was when she took control of her life with no more royal duties, no security detail, just love and her own choices guiding her.
© AFP via Getty ImagesShe gave up her royal status to become just another New Yorker, seen shopping for things to turn her apartment in the upscale Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood into a home. Her artistic background provided her with her first opportunity, a volunteer position at the prestigious Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET).
Meanwhile, Kei Komuro passed the New York State bar exam on his third try in 2022 and now works at a law firm.
Mako's brother, the Future Emperor
© JIJI Press/AFP via Getty ImagesWhile Mako and Kei Komuro focus on this new chapter as a family, Prince Hisahito is stepping into a bigger role back in Japan. Second in line to the throne, he has just enrolled at the University of Tsukuba in Ibaraki Prefecture to study biology, driven by his passion for science and the research he’s already done on dragonflies and their habitats.
© Gamma-Rapho via Getty ImagesHe has also worked with the National Museum of Nature and Science inside the Imperial Palace and was invited to the world’s largest scientific conference on insects, held in Kyoto. At the same time, his public presence is growing. He recently took part in a reception with Hussein of Jordan, marking his first interaction with foreign royalty.
