Since our childhood, fairy tales have woven in our minds a stereotype that "The Princess gets married and lives happily with the Prince". However, it is not always true. And proof of that is the wonderful love story between Japanese Princess Mako and her commoner husband. She gave up her royal title when she married her sweetheart, Kei Komuro. Then she relocated with her husband to the place where he works to start a new life as a normal couple.
It was love at first sight.
Source: © AFP / EAST NEWS
Princess Mako is the eldest child of the Crown Prince and Princess, niece of Emperor Naruhito, and granddaughter of Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko. Contrary to her family's wishes for her to attend Gakushuin University for members of the Imperial Family, Princess Mako decided to study at the International Christian University in Tokyo, Japan.
Source: © Kyodo / EAST NEWS
And Komuro Kei was raised by a single mother. After graduating from International Christian University in 2014, he worked at a law firm in Tokyo, before going abroad to study Law in New York.
Source: © Kyodo / EAST NEWS
The couple met and have been together since their first meeting at International Christian University in Tokyo. Mako described her first meeting with her beloved in her interview, “First I was attracted by his bright smile like the sun.” So, yes, it was true love at first sight!
The couple's relationship went through a lot of ups and downs.
Source: © KYDPL KYODO / Associated Press / East News
Since Princess Mako and her fiancé Kei Komuro announced their engagement in 2017, they have faced many objections from the public. Some Japanese people think that a commoner like Kei Komuro is not suitable for the Princess. And it was a big challenge for Mako to get through all of it. Their wedding was even postponed twice due to a financial scandal involving Komuro's mother.
Source: © Kyodo / EAST NEWS
Despite all the controversy surrounding their relationship, Mako and Kei have been each other’s biggest supporters. In October 2021, the sweet duo finally tied the knot. Despite all the controversy surrounding their relationship, Mako and Kei have been each other’s biggest supporters. In October 2021, the sweet duo finally tied the knot. Princess Mako refused the $1.3 million payment and renounced her royal title. And in fact, Mako was the first Japanese Princess to refuse this payment.
Now the ex-princess lives in NY with her husband
Source: imagesvc.meredithcorp.io
After their wedding, they moved to New York where Kei worked. They live in a one-bedroom apartment near Central Park and wear casual outfits.
Source: © Jean Catuffe / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
6 months after arriving in New York City, Princess Mako, who is now Mako Komuro (after taking the surname of her husband), had a job at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She is assisting the museum's Asian art department without being paid.
What would you do if you were Mako Princess? Would you also follow your heart's desire and live a normal life with your husband? Share your opinions in the comments below!
