Princess Mako waves after listening to Emperor Naruhito of Japan make his first public speech. (Photo: Getty Images)
Cover Princess Mako waves after listening to Emperor Naruhito of Japan make his first public speech. (Photo: Getty Images)

From tiaras with 1,000 diamonds set in platinum to a lavish honeymoon, here are all the royal gifts Princess Mako will be giving up in addition to her royal status

Japan’s Princess Mako, has officially tied the knot with her college sweetheart, Kei Komuro, and has renounced all her royal titles in doing so.  

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Following a four-year-long engagement that was strife with scandal and scrutiny and that left the princess with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it is no wonder that Mako preferred to do away with all the fanfare. 

In fact, Mako and Komuro’s marriage consisted of an official from the Imperial Household Agency (IHA), which runs the family’s lives, submitting paperwork to a local office.

The couple later held a news conference for the media. 

This means that they also decided to turn down the typical rituals, ceremonies and fanfare that usually accompany a royal wedding. Along with this comes the fact that the newlyweds will be turning down a series of gifts that are traditional in Japanese weddings.

In fact, gifting expert and chief executive officer of Find Me A Gift, Shaun Powell, decided to take a look at the different traditional Japanese gifts commonly received at weddings as well as what royals typically receive. Keep scrolling to find out what Mako and Komuro are really walking away from with their union.

Don’t miss: Japan’s Princess Mako Finally Marries Commoner Boyfriend Kei Komuro After Years of Controversy

1. Traditional Japanese gifts

Tatler Asia
Photo: Unsplash
Above Photo: Unsplash

When a couple in Japan gets married, they typically receive most of their gifts at a formal dinner which is thrown for the families of the engaged couple. This is called yui-no

Traditionally, a bride-to-be will receive an obi which is a decorative kimono sash that represents virtue. 

The groom on the other hand will receive a hakama skirt, which signifies fidelity.

The couple will also typically receive gifts such as dried fish, dried seaweed, hemp, wine, saki casks and Suehiro fans. These gifts are given on top of the gift money. 

2. Goshugi

Tatler Asia
Photo: Unsplash
Above Photo: Unsplash

Goshugi is a Japanese term for gift money and will be presented to all newlywed couples in a special decorative envelope called a goshugi-bukuro.

The money will typically be clean, and newly printed as a sign of respect. 

The amount included in each envelope will depend on one’s relationship with the couple. Considering that royals tend to have wealthier friends, they will usually receiver larger sums of Goshugi.

This is something that Mako has given up. 

3. Royal Japanese gifts

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Above Photo: Unsplash

In addition to cash, royal brides will typically be bestowed with certain gifts such as two fish, six bottles of rice wine, and five rolls of silk.

The Imperial Household Agency will typically announce that the royal couple will be accepting wedding gifts within reason. For example, monetary gifts will be turned down. Gaudy gifts are also a major no which means that all funky Hawaiian shirts should be addressed elsewhere. 

With her wedding, Mako lost out on all these gifts.

4. Royal Jewellery

Tatler Asia
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Above Photo: Unsplash

Japanese royals traditionally get married decked out in very fancy jewellery and Princess Mako would have been no exception had she not married a commoner.

In fact, Princess Mako likely would have been adorned with jewellery similar to her grandmother Michiko and her mother on their respective wedding days. Both women wore tiaras of 1,000 diamonds set in platinum.

5. A honeymoon

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Photo: Unsplash
Above Photo: Unsplash

A honeymoon is a traditional end to any wedding season and Japanese royals are no exception. 

In fact, Mako’s grandparents were given a 10-day honeymoon at the Hayama Imperial Villa on Sagami Bay by their Imperial House.

Mako and her husband will not be given a honeymoon unless they choose to pay for it themselves. 

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