Princess Mako, once a royal of Japan’s esteemed imperial family, has transitioned into a new chapter of her life, marked by love and independence. With an estimated net worth of $1 million, Mako’s financial status is noteworthy, especially when compared to her grandfather, Emperor Akihito, whose net worth is estimated at $40 million.
RELATED: Lisa Loring Net Worth: Financial Reflections of a Child Star
This article delves into Princess Mako’s unique journey from royalty to renouncing her noble status for marriage to Kei Komuro, her college love, and rejecting a substantial $1.3 million government payout. Her story reflects a blend of tradition, modernity, and the personal sacrifices made in the name of love.
Table of Contents
Princess Mako’s Net Worth
Princess Mako, despite coming from a royal lineage, has an estimated net worth of around $1 million. She made headlines for renouncing her royal status and declining a $1.3 million offer from the Japanese government, choosing instead to marry her college sweetheart, Kei Komuro.
Her grandfather, Emperor Akihito, who reigned as Japan’s 125th Emperor from 1989 until 2019, has a net worth estimated at $40 million, highlighting a stark contrast within the family’s financial disclosures over the years.
Early Life and Education
Mako Komuro, previously known as Princess Mako of Akishino, was born on October 23, 1991, in Tokyo, Japan, into the Japanese imperial family. Her education journey took her from Gakushūin School through to studying English in Dublin and exploring art history at the University of Edinburgh.
She furthered her studies with an MA in Art Museum and Gallery Studies from the University of Leicester, and pursued a doctoral course at International Christian University. Her academic pursuits reflect a deep commitment to art and cultural heritage, showcasing her transition from a princess to a dedicated art historian.
Career
Mako Komuro, once Princess Mako of Japan, transitioned from royalty to a commoner following her marriage to Kei Komuro. With this change, she forwent a $1.3 million traditional payout from the Japanese government. Now in New York City, she’s contributing her expertise as an unpaid volunteer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, focusing on the Asian art collection.
Her background is based, on degrees in art and cultural heritage from International Christian University and Art Museum and Gallery Studies from the University of Leicester. Despite foregoing royal ceremonies for marriage, Mako and Kei’s low-profile wedding marked a significant transition. Currently, she’s gaining experience in a field aligned with her academic pursuits, working on exhibitions such as one inspired by a 13th-century monk, showcasing her commitment to art over royal privilege.
Personal life
Princess Mako is the daughter of Crown Prince Fumihito Akishino and Princess Kiko. She has a younger sister, Princess Kako, and a younger brother, Prince Hisahito. Crown Prince Fumihito is the younger brother and heir presumptive of Emperor Naruhito, making Mako a niece of the current emperor. Crown Prince Fumihito and Princess Kiko married in 1990 and are active members of the Japanese imperial family, representing the imperial house in various ceremonies and events both domestically and internationally.
RELATED: Mother Teresa Net Worth: Valuing Virtue over Wealth
What happened to Princess Mako?
Princess Mako, the former Princess of Japan, renounced her royal status and a significant financial offer of $1.3 million from the Japanese government to marry her college sweetheart, Kei Komuro. Their love story, amidst controversy over a financial dispute involving Komuro’s family, led to a postponed wedding and Mako experiencing PTSD due to public backlash.
Ultimately, Mako and Komuro married in a simple ceremony, prioritizing their love over royal privileges and financial gain. Komuro, who faced his own challenges, including passing the New York State Bar Exam after multiple attempts, now works as a lawyer in New York, where the couple has chosen to start their new life together.
Conclusion
Princess Mako’s story is a compelling narrative of modern royalty, where tradition meets personal choice, and heritage intertwines with individuality. Her estimated net worth, career choices, and personal life decisions reflect a princess who respects her lineage while courageously navigating her path. As Mako continues to carve out her identity away from royal expectations, her journey remains a beacon of modernity and personal fulfillment in the face of centuries-old traditions.
RELATED: Larry Birkhead Net Worth: The Price of Fame and Fatherhood
FAQs about Princess Mako
- What led Princess Mako to move to New York?
- Mako moved to New York to start a new life with her husband, Kei Komuro, indicating a desire for independence and normalcy outside the imperial system.
- How did Princess Mako and Kei Komuro meet?
- The couple met while attending International Christian University in Tokyo, bonding over shared interests and values.
- What does Princess Mako’s husband do for a living?
- Kei Komuro works in a law firm in New York City, contributing to their financial independence.
- Why did Princess Mako renounce her imperial title?
- Mako chose to marry a commoner, Kei Komuro, which, according to Japanese Imperial Law, required her to give up her royal status.
- How does Princess Mako contribute to society now?
- Through her work as a researcher and her presence on social media, Mako continues to share her passion for art history and cultural heritage, contributing to educational and cultural discourse.