Princess Mako visits mausoleums of Emperor Showa, Empress Kojun ahead of Oct. 26 marriage

TOKYO — Princess Mako, the elder daughter of Crown Prince Akishino and niece of Emperor Naruhito, visited the Musashi Imperial Mausolea Grounds on the morning of Oct. 12 and paid her respects at the mausoleums of Emperor Showa and Empress Kojun, reporting that she would marry her classmate from university, Kei Komuro, on Oct. 26.

Princess Mako wore a long gray dress and a black hat for her visit. She also wore a mask. She bowed deeply as she proceeded to the front of each mausoleum, located in the Tokyo suburban city of Hachioji.

According to the Imperial Household Agency, it was Princess Mako’s wish to pay her respects at the graveyard. No customary imperial rites or events are due to be held when Princess Mako marries.

The Princess is later due to greet Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, as well as Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko, and pay her respects at the three palace sanctuaries on the grounds of the Imperial Palace in the capital where past emperors are enshrined.

Kei Komuro, who returned from the United States on Sept. 27, completed his two-week coronavirus quarantine period on Oct. 11. It is believed that he is proceeding with final preparations for the wedding.

(Japanese original by Kanami Ikawa, Tokyo City News Department)