Japan’s Princess Mako meets Emperor Naruhito ahead of her wedding to Kei Komuro

The princess visited the couple at the Imperial Palace alone as part of a rite involving a meeting with the emperor when a member of the royal family marries

The wedding has been delayed nearly three years following public controversy over a financial dispute involving Komuro’s mother

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Japanese Princess Mako arrives at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to see Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako on October 22. Photo: Kyodo

Published: 7:10pm, 22 Oct 2021Updated: 7:10pm, 22 Oct 2021

Japan’s Princess Mako met with her uncle Emperor Naruhito and aunt Empress Masako on Friday before her controversial marriage to her commoner boyfriend Kei Komuro expected next week.

The princess visited the couple at the Imperial Palace alone in lieu of the “Choken no Gi” rite, an official meeting with the emperor and empress on the occasion of a marriage involving a member of the imperial family.

She skipped a series of ceremonies amid public concern over an unresolved financial dispute involving Komuro’s mother.

The princess is also expected to meet her grandparents – former Emperor Akihito and former Empress Michiko – on Monday, the day before her marriage, according to the Imperial Household Agency.

Japan's Emperor Naruhito is seen at the Upper House of Parliament at the Diet Building in Tokyo. Photo: DPA

Under the current rules, women lose their royal status once they marry a commoner. The princess, who will turn 30 on Saturday, is expected to move to New York, where Komuro works at a law firm, after their marriage is registered in Japan on Tuesday.