"Did You Approach Intentionally?"... Japanese Princess Suffering from PTSD Amid Public Criticism to Marry on the 26th

Suspicions Over Financial Issues Involving Fianc?'s Mother: "Will Not Accept Lump Sum... Also Skipping Female Royal Family Wedding Ceremonies"

Princess Mako (right) and Kei Komuro (left) at the engagement announcement press conference in 2017.

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] It has been revealed that Princess Mako, niece of Emperor Naruhito, who was embroiled in controversy over her fianc?'s mother's financial issues, has been suffering from PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) due to verbal abuse directed at her and her family since she first announced her marriage four years ago.

According to NHK and others on the 1st, the Imperial Household Agency, which oversees the affairs of the Japanese Imperial Family, announced that Princess Mako will marry Kei Komuro on the 26th. Along with this, the agency disclosed that Princess Mako has been experiencing mental health issues, including a PTSD diagnosis related to the marriage matter.

Princess Mako is the eldest daughter among two daughters and one son of Crown Prince Fumihito Akishino, the younger brother of Emperor Naruhito and first in line to the throne. In September 2017, she announced her engagement to her university classmate Kei Komuro and declared her intention to marry him in November of that year. However, financial problems involving Komuro's mother surfaced, and competitive reporting by weekly magazines escalated the controversy, leading to an indefinite postponement of the wedding.

Some speculated that Komuro, who had financial issues, might have deliberately approached Princess Mako aiming to receive the lump-sum payment given when leaving the Imperial Family. As the controversy grew, voices criticizing Princess Mako herself, her family, and her fianc? Komuro increased, and Princess Mako was diagnosed with PTSD.

In response, Princess Mako stated that she would not accept the lump-sum payment. Additionally, conscious of the suspicions surrounding Komuro and his mother's financial issues, she decided not to hold any ceremonies related to the marriage of a female royal family member, including the wedding ceremony and farewell rituals.

After marriage, Princess Mako will be excluded from the Imperial Family registry and plans to move to the United States, where Komuro works, to start their married life. Komuro took the bar exam in New York State in July this year, and with his expected passing, he has secured employment at a law firm.