Japan monarchy: Princess Mako to lose royal status by marrying commoner her school boyfriend

A member of Japan's royal family, Princess Mako, is to surrender
her royal status by marrying a commoner.

The 25-year-old eldest granddaughter of Emperor Akihito will
become engaged to law firm worker Kei Komuro, also 25, whom
she met while studying together.

Japan's imperial law requires a princess to leave the royal
family after marrying a commoner.

The move, first reported by local media, is expected to reignite
debate on the ever-shrinking royal family.

Princess Mako and Kei Komuro met in 2012 when they
 studied at the International Christian University in Tokyo.

He once worked as "Prince of the Sea", promoting tourism in
Japan.

Asked about their engagement plans, Mr Komuro on Wednesday
was quoted as saying: "Now is not the time for me to comment,
but I want to speak at the right time."

The Imperial Household confirmed for US broadcaster CNN that
plans were under way for the princess's engagement.

Emperor Akihito, 83, hinted last August that he wanted to stand
down, saying his age could interfere with his duties.

Japan is currently considering legal changes to allow the emperor
to abdicate.

No Japanese emperor has abdicated for two centuries and the
law currently does not allow it but new legislation is expected to
leave unchanged a males-only succession law.

"There is no change in our view to proceed with consideration of
steps to ensure stable imperial succession," Chief Cabinet
Secretary Yoshihide Suga was quoted as saying by Reuters news
agency.

There are only four heirs to the Chrysanthemum Throne: Akihito's
sons Crown Prince Naruhito and Prince Fumihito, Prince Hisahito
(Fumihito's son) and the emperor's younger brother, Prince
Masahito.