Former Princess Mako of Japan becomes a mother: Imperial Family confirms

By Jacinth Banite 

The Imperial Family of Japan has confirmed that former Princess Mako Komuro, who renounced her royal status for love, is now a mother after giving birth to her first child. 

In a regular press conference on May 30, the Imperial Household Agency, represented by Grand Master Naomasa Yoshida, assured the well-being of both Mako, 33, and her firstborn, without disclosing the baby’s date of birth and gender.

The official conveyed the Imperial Family’s enthusiasm over the news, saying they are wishing for the Komuro family’s happiness with respect to their privacy. 

“This is a matter for a person who has left the Imperial Family, and we had hoped that she would spend her time in a quiet environment,” Yoshida was quoted as saying by The Japan Times. 

He explained that the family decided to make a public confirmation “in light of some media reports” about the baby’s arrival.

Mako’s story reminiscent of romantic film 

This is the first time Mako made major headlines since she gave up her title as Princess Mako of Akishino in 2021, to marry her college sweetheart Kei Komuro, a commoner, in a story resembling a romantic film. 

As per the Japan’s Imperial House Law, female members of the Imperial Family lose their status when they marry someone outside of royalty.

But that did not stop the then 30-year-old Mako from fulfilling the desire of her heart.  

After being engaged for four years, Mako married Kei in a civil ceremony on October 26, 2021. 

The former monarch has since been living a completely anonymous life in New York City, where her husband works as a lawyer. 

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Ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne

Her story is not only an inspiration to the writers, it also drew attention to the looming succession crisis for the Imperial Family of Japan – said to be the oldest in the world. 

The ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, currently held by Emperor Naruhito, is limited only to the male bloodline.

This made Mako ineligible for the royal seat, despite being the eldest child of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko. 

Now the crown’s future rests on the shoulders of Mako’s 18-year-old brother, Prince Hisahito, the only heir of his generation.

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