In a traditional rite of betrothal called “Nosai no Gi,” Komuro’s messenger will have to visit the Imperial Palace with gifts to officially vow engagement.
Then the date of their wedding will be announced by Komuro’s messenger visiting the palace in a rite known as “Kokki no Gi.”
When a female imperial family member becomes a commoner through marriage, the state pays her a lump sum allowance. Based on Japanese law, the amount will be decided at an eight-member council meeting, which includes the prime minister.
When Sayako Kuroda, the only daughter of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, married a commoner in 2005, she received about 150 million yen ($1.3 million), while Noriko Senge, daughter of the emperor’s late cousin Prince Takamado, was given some 100 million yen when she married the eldest son of the chief priest of Izumo Taisha, a Shinto shrine in Shimane Prefecture, in 2014.
As their wedding date nears, more rites are set to take place including “Choken no Gi,” in which Princess Mako will express her appreciation for the emperor and the empress.
On the day of their wedding, a messenger from the groom’s side will come to collect the princess at the palace in a rite called “Judai no Gi,” before commencing the wedding.
Kuroda’s wedding was held at Tokyo’s Imperial Hotel while Senge’s was held at the Izumo Taisha shrine.
By submitting a marriage notification, Princess Mako will no longer be part of the imperial family and will be registered as an ordinary citizen. She will be given voting and other rights.
Source: Japan Today Image: ANN
Join the Conversation