On March 18, 2025, Prince Hisahito, the eldest son of Prince Akishino, celebrated his graduation from Tsukuba University High School. This milestone not only marks the beginning of Hisahito's adult life but also offers the Akishino family some well-deserved relief following years of royal duties and public scrutiny over their upbringing.
While Hisahito embarks on new adventures, another royal narrative is fast gaining traction online—rumors swirling around Princess Mako and her husband, Kei Komuro, who currently reside in New York. Since she departed the imperial family upon their marriage in October 2021, Mako's life away from royal obligations has drawn significant media interest.
The rumors ignited on March 12, 2025, when the Daily Shincho featured photos of the Komuro couple shopping with friends. A snapshot capturing the pair on March 8 sparked discussions across social media platforms, particularly focused on the appearance of Mako’s outfit during the outing.
Mako was seen wearing an oversized black long coat with a front zipper, which many interpreted as potentially indicating pregnancy due to its rounded silhouette. The coat obscured her body shape, leading some observers to question whether Mako might be expecting.
“Princess Mako's child will absolutely not become the emperor,” stated Associate Professor Hidetaka Kawanishi from Nagoya University, who is well-versed in imperial matters, addressing speculation on the potential future of heirs to the throne. Hisahito currently remains the only male heir born to the imperial family, following his cousin's departure from the line upon marriage.
Rumors about Mako's possible pregnancy took on additional weight when one social media user suggested, “If Mako has a son and Prince Hisahito does not, then her child could become the emperor.” This theory highlights the continued societal and cultural pressures surrounding royal succession and the family dynamics of Japan’s imperial lineage.
Meanwhile, the Komuro couple appears to be enjoying their life together, having experienced the normal ups and downs of newlywed life far from the constraints of royalty. Following their marriage, Mako seems to have embraced casual fashion, often opting for comfortable yet stylish clothing choices characteristic of her lifestyle change.
Since leaving Japan, Mako has adopted various styles, often seen sporting high-fashion brands, including GANNI, known for its chic designs. The oversized coat she wore during the outing has garnered attention for its unique style—a notable shift from the more traditional attire expected of her during her royal duties. Its cost, priced at 56,000 yen, reflects her new lifestyle preferences and the fashion choices made available to her as she adapts to her new environment.
Reports indicate her distinct fashion sense draws both admiration and surprise from onlookers. Observers commented on her choice of the coat, with social media users saying, “What an unusual design for her coat!” and discussing how she might be adjusting her wardrobe to resonate more with the fashion trends prominent within her new home.
Prior to her marriage, Mako's style was curated with the royal expectations of modesty and elegance. She frequently wore attire from high-end women's clothing brands such as Relian and Yoshie Ina, carefully matched to the occasions she attended as part of the imperial family. Conversely, she also favored more accessible brands like Uniqlo for private outings, reflecting her desire to connect with everyday fashion.
The transformation of her wardrobe since moving abroad indicates her newfound freedom and burgeoning identity as Mako Komuro. A glimpse of the happy couple during casual outings, where they have been spotted enjoying everyday activities like dining out and shopping, reinforces their desire to maintain privacy even as they are occasionally subjects of public fascination.
Mako’s earlier fashion reflected the duality of her existence; she upheld royal traditions through the elegance expected of her as part of the imperial family, yet privately she appeared to favor more relaxed, less ostentatious choices. The current blend of high fashion and individualism she exhibits speaks volumes about her adaptability and personal growth.
Now, three years and four months after her marriage, Mako's life is emblematic of a modern royal. The Komuro couple engages with their surroundings, having cultivated friendships beyond the royal enclave, indicating successful integration within New York life. Photo highlights from their previous outings reveal the couple as relatable and joyful, representing a blend of the old world and the new.
Nevertheless, as pregnancy rumors continue to volley across social media, they shed light on the persistent public interest surrounding royal succession—a topic many still feel deeply connected to tradition and expectations. The discussions suggest not only Mako’s current lifestyle but how the future might unfurl with the intertwining of family legacy and modern change.
While Prince Hisahito moves forward with his educational pursuits, popular chatter highlights the dynamic interplay between duty, legacy, and personal choice, especially within the imperial family. With each passing milestone of Hisahito's adult life and Mako's modern adaptations, Japan’s royal family appears poised at the intersection of tradition and contemporary societal shifts.
Expectations abound as they navigate their paths, symbolizing not just the future of Japan's imperial lineage but also the cultural evolution of royal life—a discussion likely to continue swirling as both young royals carve their places within the fabric of modern Japan.
