Japan’s former Princess Mako welcomes first child

Japan’s former Princess Mako has given birth to her first child in the United States.

Mako Komuro, who gave up her royal titles and position in the Imperial Family, gave birth to her and her husband, Kei’s, first child in New York.

The Imperial Household Agency confirmed Japanese media reports of Mako’s baby on 30 May.

They decided to confirm the news after Japanese media published photos of Mako and Kei pushing a stroller through a park in New York.

As Mako is no longer a member of the Imperial Family, the Imperial Household only confirmed the birth of the child, saying both the mother and baby were in good health.

They said: “This involves someone who has left the Imperial Family, and we wanted her to spend her time in peace. However, we decided to announce this in light of recent media reports.”

No information has been provided on the gender or date of birth.

Mako’s parents, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, as well as her siblings, Princess Kako and Prince Hisahito, are said to be delighted with the new family member and wish the Komuro family well.

This is the first grandchild of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess. It is also the first great-grandchild of Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko.

Kei and Mako Komuro moved to New York, where Kei works as an attorney, following their 2021 wedding.