Looming Succession Crisis for the World’s Oldest Monarchy

Princess Mako of Japan married on Tuesday in Tokyo without a spectacular ceremony or any of the typical ceremonies connected with Japanese royal marriages. She also declined the $1.3 million lump-sum payment that female royals receive when they lose their imperial rank by marrying a commoner.

Because of the public’s disdain for her groom, she turned down the money, and a lavish wedding Royals who lose their imperial status receive. The husband in question is Kei Komuro, a recent law graduate, who is 30 years old. The pair just went to a government office to register their marriage instead of the usual ceremony. They are anticipated to depart Japan secretly in the coming weeks to start a new life in the United States.

Their story has also brought attention to the Japanese monarchy’s approaching succession dilemma, which is considered to be the world’s oldest. The family is down to 17 members in total now that Mako is married, with the ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne restricted to male bloodlines. Because they are women, neither Naruhito’s daughter, Aiko nor Mako, and her sister, Kako, are in line to be the next emperor. Mako’s 15-year-old brother, Prince Hisahito, the only heir of his generation, now bears the burden of the throne.

The couple’s spectacular exodus from royal life has captivated Japanese and international media, has been drawing comparisons to the past situation with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle of the United Kingdom. According to palace authorities, Mako, who turned 30 recently, suffered complex post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of being “unable to flee” the attacks on her, Komuro, and their families.