Princess abdicates to wed

THE only daughter of Japan’s Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko married a childhood friend yesterday and began life as a commoner, leaving the royal palace and giving up the title of princess so the wedding could take place.

Thousands cheered 36-year-old Princess Sayako as she was driven from the palace to a hotel where she married Yoshiki Kuroda, a Tokyo city employee.

It was the first time an emperor’s daughter had married a commoner. Afterward the former princess, now known as Sayako Kuroda, moved to a Tokyo apartment to begin life as a wife and taxpayer.

Unlike her brothers, Sayako had to give up her royal allowance under a 1947 law that automatically strips female royals of their title when they are married. To prepare for her new life, Sayako took driving lessons and practiced shopping at supermarkets.

“I feel very happy that the emperor regards my new life as a continuation, not as a complete break,” she said.

The wedding took place as the government is considering changing the 1947 law, which also forbids women ascending to the Chrysanthemum Throne.

Opinion polls show support for letting women reign. Eight women assumed to the throne over the past 1,500 years.