Former Japan princess bids title formal farewell

Former Japan princess bids title formal farewell TOKYO, Nov 16 (Reuters) -

Japanese princess becomes a commoner

Japanese Emperor Akihito's only daughter formally relinquished her title as princess on Wednesday following her marriage the day before, but her father has promised she is welcome at the palace any time.

Former princess Sayako married Yoshiki Kuroda, a Tokyo urban planner, in a simple ceremony on Tuesday, trading life in the Imperial Palace for an ordinary apartment and official duties for housework.

Sayako, 36, has confessed that she was a bit anxious about starting a new life as a commoner, where she faces new challenges such as driving, paying taxes and shopping.

But on her wedding day, Empress Michiko gave Sayako a warm hug and reassured her saying, "You'll be fine, you'll be fine."

Michiko, 71, who took the opposite course by becoming the first commoner to marry into the royal family, was said to have been bullied by courtiers in the early years of her marriage and has said Sayako was always a source of support at tough times.

Akihito also told his daughter, "Our family ties will not change, so please visit us from time to time."

Sayako legally became a commoner -- and gained a surname for the first time -- when her marriage was registered at her local city office on Tuesday, as is the custom in Japan.

However, her name remains on the register of the Imperial Family until notice of her wedding is formally inscribed there by an Imperial Household Agency official on Wednesday afternoon, an agency spokeswoman said. -- Reuters

REUTERS

GetRTR 3.00 -- NOV 16, 2005 09:02:42