Mako, sister of Prince Hisahito, has quietly started a family with her husband, Kei Komuro, after relocating to the United States.
The couple, who married following a university romance, recently welcomed their first child, drawing attention to the ongoing discussion over Japan’s imperial succession.
Prior to their marriage, Mako faced intense media scrutiny regarding alleged financial difficulties in Komuro’s family, which reportedly contributed to complex post-traumatic stress disorder.
Seeking privacy and stability, the couple chose to leave Japan, highlighting the pressures faced by members of the imperial family.
Debate over female succession in Japan remains active, as Prince Hisahito is currently the only male heir of his generation.
While public opinion generally supports allowing female emperors, broader societal issues, such as rising inflation and economic concerns, have overshadowed legislative momentum, according to royal historian Hideya Kawanishi.
“If supporters of female succession become more vocal, politicians may take the issue seriously,” Kawanishi said.
“But once ceremonies conclude, society, including the media, calms down and moves on.” The birth of Mako’s child abroad has subtly reinforced the conversation about succession, family continuity, and the challenges faced by Japan’s younger royals.