Japan will maintain tradition in the imperial household even if it means the end of the monarchy.
After a four-year postponement, Princess Mako, the niece of 61-year-old Emperor Naruhito, is marrying her longtime boyfriend, Kei Komuro. And because Japan’s imperial law strips women of their royal status after marriage, the princess will exit the family, leaving behind just 12 women and five men.
In addition, following controversy over their engagement, Mako turned down a ¥152.5 million ($1.3 million) dowry that has traditionally been awarded to women in the royal family who’ve married, making her the first to do so since World War II.
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