Royals of Japan

[featherhat]

Oct 25, 2021 10:14:29 GMT -4 Sunnyhorse said:

The fact that they hadn't seen each other in three years makes me worry, but they also seem devoted to one another to keep things going that long. I hope they enjoy a lovely intimate wedding, then build a wonderful life in the States and, in so doing, flip the bird at the IHA every chance they get.

Apparently in Japan all you need to do to be married is file the paper work, no official vows or anything by law and that's what the IHA have indicated is happening: Send in the paperwork in the morning, press conference and then they move to their new apartment. I hope they do manage to have some sort of celebration though.

I also hope that the goal of getting married to each other hasn't overtaken actually wanting to be in a relationship, especially after 3 years of not seeing each other. It's not uncommon for couples to feel "now what?" after the wedding without the several additional layers involved here. I wish them all the best.

[Ginger]

I respect the way they are doing this. They seem to be trying to keep peace with her family despite the inherent conflict. She turned down the million-dollar payout. And I think she seems genuine in her plan to go have a happy family with her husband making an honest living as lawyer. That is how you leave royal life with integrity.

I don't foresee a bitter Oprah interview where she complains of being deprived of her birthright and not being given enough millions to maintain herself in the manner to which she is accustomed.

[cabbagekid]

Wow! She's really doing what I think most people should do with toxic family which is cut them off. And for her to not even take the money, good for her! I love and admire her backbone.

I wish them well!!!

[Auroranorth]

I don't blame her for wanting out and getting out, that whole hot mess of a family is enough to give anyone hives.

[royalwave]

If anyone had a case to make for going on Oprah it would be the women of the Japanese imperial family. They are treated shabbily across the board and suffer mental health setbacks because of it. Poor Masasko, a Harvard/Oxford educated diplomat relegated to the role of silent partner, went through hell and back over the pressure to deliver a son, and Aiko has been passed over in favor of a male cousin to inherit the throne. Honestly, they could really use a good ruling Empress because this system is so ridiculously anachronistic (not that royalty itself isn't a dated concept). It feels like the Chrysanthemum throne is stuck in the 1800s.

That being said, they all handle themselves with incredible dignity. If living well is the best revenge, I hope this young couple find everything they dream of in New York.

[Auroranorth]

It's Mako's younger brother who's going to end up on the throne, which makes her leaving even more sensible IMO.

[Ladybug]

I hope that she will have peace and happiness with her husband in New York. She is dealing with PTSD, leaving her family, and moving to a new place. I wish her the best, but it will not be an easy transition.

[Sunnyhorse]

I get the impression that it is not her family who are toxic but instead the IHA and a certain segment of Japanese society.

[hellsbells]

Good for her. Wish them much happiness and a nice quiet life.

As for the Japanese royalty, what do they even do? Are they purely ceremonial?

[Auroranorth]

Pretty much. Japan is a constitutional monarchy.