Japan: Princess Mako's wedding divides the population
Audio 01:15
This file photo taken on September 3, 2017 shows Princess Mako of Japan looking at her fiance Kei Komuro during a press conference to announce their engagement.
Shizuo Kambayashi POOL / AFP / Archivos
Text by: RFI Follow
2 min
In Japan, Princess Mako, the niece of Emperor Naruhito, will marry a commoner on Tuesday, October 26, without official ceremony.
An unprecedented event in the oldest monarchy in the world.
What do Tokyoites think?
Reporting.
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Ultimately, it finally happens!
Princess Mako marries her fiancé Kei Komuro, a lawyer at the New York bar, this Tuesday, October 26.
For three years, Princess Mako had to fight for her father, Crown Prince Akishino, to consent to her marriage.
Kei Komuro is in a complicated family and financial situation, which is why for three years the marriage has continued to be postponed.
Kei Komuro was raised by his mother and she is in debt.
He is therefore the bête noire of social networks, tabloids and talk shows.
Love ended up triumphing, which these Tokyoites rejoice in, as our correspondent on site,
Bruno Duval
, saw
.
“
It is a marriage of love and not, as is often the case at court, a marriage of convenience.
As a woman, that strikes me as a great thing,
”comments a young Japanese woman.
“
Both were under a lot of pressure but they stood up and held on.
So they really seem to be made for each other,
”said one man.
"
Many Japanese people still consider that women must be submissive, the pugnacity which Mako has shown seems particularly welcome
", adds another woman.
The "Japanese Harry and Meghan"
But, according to polls, one
in three Japanese
is not enthusiastic about this union, like these passers-by: “
Will their love really last,
wonders an old lady.
They come from such different backgrounds.
"
For another passer-by "
obviously, this young man is not very clear
."
And to add: “
That he marries the princess, that worries me.
"
"
I think he and his mother should have explained publicly about their relationship to money, which seems a bit complicated,
" continues a woman.
Some newspapers have called Kei Komuro a "
profiteer
", and even a "
gigolo
".
Psychiatrists are categorical: due to this media lynching, Princess Mako now suffers from post-traumatic stress linked to the many affairs surrounding her union.
On her wedding day, Princess Mako also renounced her titles as well as her tiara.
The princess also waives the allowance paid to women who marry commoners and must leave the Imperial House.
The newlyweds will now settle in New York, far from the media pressure.
Which earned them the nickname "the Japanese Harrys and Meghans".
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