The government is near a final decision not to pay a one-time allowance to Princess Mako, the eldest daughter of Crown Prince Akishino, in line with her own wishes, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned.
The money is ordinarily paid when a woman in the Imperial family loses her status as an Imperial family member upon marriage. The 29-year-old princess plans to marry Kei Komuro, also 29, this year.
The Imperial House Economy Council, which would ordinarily decide the amount of the one-off allowance, will not convene, according to informed sources. It will be the first time after World War II that a female Imperial family member has not received the allowance when she gives up her Imperial status due to marriage.
The Imperial House Economy Law states that a one-time allowance shall be paid to a member of the Imperial family who loses their status as an Imperial family member so that they can maintain their dignity as a former Imperial family member.
According to a source close to the government, Princess Mako considered negative public sentiment toward her planned marriage and told the Imperial Household Agency that she did not wish to receive the money.
However, the law has no provision on refusal to receive the allowance and there are no precedent cases. For these reasons, the Cabinet Legislation Bureau and other government bodies had worked to determine how to interpret the law.
As a result, the government concluded that it is legally possible to accept Princess Mako's refusal because, while maintaining dignity is important, it cannot be said that receiving the one-time payment is obligatory.
In past cases of marriage of female Imperial family members after the war, the Imperial House Economy Council has decided the amounts of the one-time allowances. The council's eight members include the prime minister, the speaker of the House of Representatives and the president of the House of Councillors.
The government is considering not convening the council for Princess Mako's case, on the grounds that the council's role is not to discuss the pros and cons of the provision of the allowance but only to decide its amount.
The Imperial Household Agency, which implements the budget for the one-time allowances, is expected to confirm her wishes and decide not to provide the money.
Under the law, the amount of the one-off allowance paid to Princess Mako could have been up to 152.5 million yen.
Princess Mako and Komuro reportedly will file a marriage document at a municipal office as early as October. Out of consideration for public criticism of their marriage, no ritual ceremonies will be held for their engagement or marriage.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
