QFour years away from home and no desire to return. Mako from Japanthe former princess who gave up the throne for love, it drew a clear line between its imperial past and the present in New York. Together with her husband Kei Komuroleads the life of a private citizen, far from the rigid protocols of Tokyo. A radical choice that cost her the title, privileges and even the family jewels, but which gave her freedom.
Because Mako of Japan and Kei Komuro are the “Harry and Meghan” of the Rising Sun
The international press immediately renamed them as the Harry and Meghan asians. Just like the Dukes of Sussex, Mako of Japan and Kei Komuro have abandoned royal duties to seek independence overseas. Their escape to New York represents not just a geographical transfer, but an actual one rebellion against the strict laws of the Japanese Imperial House. Today they live in the anonymity of the American metropolis, focused on their careers and managing their new family, far from the flashes of Japanese photographers.
Mako of Japan and her husband upon their arrival in New York in 2021. (Photo by STR/JAPAN POOL / JIJI PRESS/AFP via Getty Images)
A grandson the Emperors have never seen
Detachment is became even more evident in May 2025when the couple welcomed the first child. Although the Imperial Household Agency confirmed the birththe details remain shrouded in mystery: the name or sex of the child is not officially known. The most sensational news, however, concerns the failure to meet his family of origin: Emperor Naruhito, Mako’s uncle, and Empress Masako have not yet met their nephew. Mako of Japan has never set foot on his native soil since his departure, making an embrace between the newborn and the leaders of the monarchy impossible.
The scandal that blocked the return
But why does returning home seem like a mirage? The reason lies in the heavy climate of criticism that still surrounds their marriage. The controversies related to Kei Komuro’s mother’s financial scandals they never went away completely. According to Japanese media, public opinion still judges the imperial family harshly for having allowed this wedding. A possible return to Japan would raise too many logistical questions: where would they stay? Who would pay for their safety? Questions that the Court prefers not to address to avoid further embarrassment.
Mako of Japan and Kei Komuro announce their engagement in 2017. (Photo credit SHIZUO KAMBAYASHI/AFP via Getty Images)
Mako of Japan, a family fracture that is difficult to heal
Physical distance has dug a deep furrow even in personal relationships. The rumors speak of a emotional distancing between Mako and his father, Crown Prince Fuhimito. Communications are poor and the chance of Kei Komuro’s family reaching the United States is slim to none, due to the delicate health of the man’s mother. The only theoretical solution would be for Kei to travel alone with the babybut a similar gesture would only fuel new gossip about the definitive break between the rebellious princess and her roots.
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