National News

Princess to marry in November

Princess Sayako, Emperor Akihito's only daughter, will marry Tokyo metropolitan government employee Yoshiki Kuroda in a ceremony Nov. 15, the Imperial Household Agency said May 18.

Princess Sayako (left) and her fiance Yoshiki Kuroda

The princess, also known as Princess Nori, and Kuroda will hold a wedding ceremony in the style of Shinto, the native Japanese religion, according to their wishes.

The agency announced the engagement of the 36-year-old princess and Kuroda, 40, in December. The couple were formally engaged in March through the traditional "Nosai no Gi" rite of betrothal, the first in a series of court ceremonies before the wedding.

They have more rites to go through, including the "Choken no Gi" rite of audience, where the emperor and empress receive the princess's farewell greetings. The princess will have to give up her royal title following the marriage with the commoner in accordance with the Imperial House Law.

It will be the first time in 45 years that a female member of a reigning emperor's family weds. (Kyodo)

Shukan ST: May 27, 2005

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