The only daughter of Japan's Emperor Akihit has married a commoner in a private ceremony today and has lost her privileged status as a member of the imperial family.
Princess Sayako, wearing a simple, full-length white silk dress and pearls, walked several steps behind groom Yoshiki Kuroda into a sparsely decorated room in a Tokyo hotel where the traditional Shinto ceremony was held.
Yoshiyuki Kuroda and his wife Sayako Kuroda speak to reporters at a press conference following their wedding
The couple were greeted by a priest dressed in white silk robes. About 30 close relatives, including the emperor and empress, attended.
Marriage to Mr Kuroda, a 40-year-old urban planner, means Ms Sayako (36) relinquishes her title, swapping the grandeur of the Imperial Palace for an ordinary Tokyo apartment, and trading official duties for housework and the supermarket run.
She is the first daughter of an emperor to marry in 45 years.
"I want to learn various new things and I look forward to a new life as a member of the Kuroda family, while treasuring in my heart the life I have led up until now with their majesties and my family," Ms Sayako said in a brief news conference.