The love of Japanese Princess Mako cannot be quantified by money—not even the $1.3 million settlement she turned down or the royal title she relinquished to marry her beloved, Kei Komuro. Furthermore, this devoted wife took an even bolder step; she relocated with her husband to his workplace and was courageous enough to embrace a completely new life, forsaking all symbols of her royal status. 
Here at Bright Side, we want to share Mako’s story, which could be seen as a reverse Cinderella tale.
However, this doesn’t mean it lacks a happy ending, so let’s delve into the details together. The romance between Mako and Kei seems to defy all romantic expectations. Mako comes from a Japanese imperial lineage, being the eldest daughter of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, the niece of Emperor Naruhito, and the granddaughter of Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko.
In contrast, Kei is a commoner—a paralegal who was raised solely by his mother through her hard work. 
The two began dating while attending the same university and have been inseparable ever since. Mako reflected on their first encounter in an interview, saying, “My initial attraction was to his radiant smile, as bright as the sun.” It truly was love at first sight!
Their relationship endured significant challenges and sacrifices. In October 2021, the couple finally exchanged vows. However, before this, they faced intense media scrutiny which posed a significant hurdle for Mako.
They even had to postpone their wedding immediately after announcing it, but they never wavered in their commitment. 
Despite the surrounding controversies, Mako and Kei have been each other’s strongest allies, even under the public spotlight. Mako willingly gave up her royal titles to marry the man she loves, and the couple notably declined the $1.3 million compensation typically offered to women who lose their royal status upon marriage.
Mako made history as the first woman to refuse this payment. Now, the former princess enjoys a life as a commoner alongside her husband. 
Following their nuptials, the couple moved to New York, where Kei works as a law firm clerk.
They rent a one-bedroom apartment close to Central Park and dress in casual attire. Just six months after settling in New York City, the former princess secured a position at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She works as a volunteer in the museum’s Asian art department, receiving praise from a former curator for her diligence and competence, spending a significant amount of time in the library.
The story doesn’t end here –
it continues on the next page.
TAP → NEXT PAGE → 👇
