Japan's former Princess Mako celebrates 35th birthday

Former Japanese Princess Mako Komuro is marking her 35th birthday on October 23. As the eldest daughter of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, her life underwent a significant transition following her marriage to Kei Komuro in October 2021.

To marry her university classmate, a commoner, Mako renounced her royal title and a dowry valued at approximately 1.1 to 1.2 million euros. Her engagement and subsequent wedding were met with public protests and negative media coverage in Japan, marking a departure from traditional imperial expectations.

Since leaving the Japanese Imperial Family, Mako has established a life in the United States with her husband, who works at a law firm following his legal studies.