The government said Thursday it will pay 152.5 million yen in a one-time allowance to Princess Nori, who will be leaving the Imperial household after her marriage to Tokyo metropolitan employee Yoshiki Kuroda, government officials said.
The figure was decided unanimously at a meeting of the Imperial Household Economic Council. It is the maximum amount allowed under the Imperial Household Economy Law.
Council members expressed their opinions during a closed-door session at the Imperial Household Agency, including one who said the amount, equivalent to about $1.3 million, "is not enough to even buy a house in Tokyo" and may be "too little," according to the agency.
The eight-member council includes Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, House of Representatives Speaker Yohei Kono, House of Councilors President Chikage Ogi, Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki and Grand Steward Shingo Haketa.
Princess Nori, 36, is the only daughter of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. She will have to relinquish her royal title following her Nov. 15 marriage to Kuroda, 40, a commoner, in accordance with the Imperial House Law.