Japanese Princess Nori to marry mid November with commoner

Interesting to notice the good timing of the
announcement related to Princess Nori engagement and
wedding.

First: it follows, October 2004, a tough palace quarrel
around the issue of whether singing Japan's national
anthem should be compulsory in schools, quarrels
immediately toned down April 25 2005 by emperor Akihito
himself who admitted that it was important to teach
respect for the anthem and flag as symbols of the nation
but also to consider the feelings of the people.

Japan's "Hinomaru" flag and "Kimigayo" anthem have long
been seen by some at home and other parts of Asia as a
symbol of Japan's past militarism.

The first October event with Akihito stirred controversy
when he told a guest at a royal garden party that
teachers and students should not be forced to sing the
anthem while facing the flag. (Ishihara's ears heard
the bells)

Second, it happens while Japan's history is the focus of
attention of the whole Asian region, for its military
past.

Asia watchers remember that Mr. Kuroda's (a Tokyo city
bureaucrat) attraction for the daughter of the emperor ,
was announced late autumn. Some watchers based in Tokyo
noticed how Governor Ishihara hurried in any media
events to convey his views, sometimes in secret meetings
to editorial writers at such place as the National press
club!

Latest announcement, quote:

"Princess Nori, Emperor Akihito's only daughter, will
marry Tokyo Metropolitan Government employee Yoshiki
Kuroda in a Nov. 15 ceremony, the Imperial Household
Agency said Wednesday.

The ceremony will take place at the Imperial Hotel in
Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward, in the presence of Emperor Akihito
and Empress Michiko, the agency said.

The princess, whose other formal name is Princess
Sayako, and Kuroda will hold a Shinto wedding ceremony,
according to their wishes.

The agency announced the engagement of the 36-year-old
princess and Kuroda, 40, in late December.

The couple were formally engaged in March through the
traditional Nosai no Gi betrothal rite, the first in a
series of court ceremonies before the wedding. They
have more rites to go thorough, including the Choken no
Gi rite of audience, where the Emperor and Empress
receive the princess' official farewell."

end of quotes

Let's hope that they will live happily, long, and have
many male or female children.