Princess Nori

"What I think has been truly meaningful for me is to have lived for the past 36 years with Their Majesties and to have been able to observe and learn from them," the princess said in a written response to questions from reporters.

Born in 1969, the princess recalled that "life in a special position has had both beneficial aspects and some difficulties," according to the written response.

Imperial family members usually make public comments in written form or in a news conference on the occasion of their birthdays. This was Princess Nori's last such occasion before marrying Yoshiki Kuroda, an employee with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

The marriage is expected to take place in late October or November, palace sources said.

The princess must relinquish her royal title after her wedding, in accordance with the Imperial House Law, which stipulates that a female member of the Imperial family must leave the household if she marries a commoner.

The Japan Times Weekly: April 23, 2005
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