Mako's royal status was lost when she married Kei Komuro. She was given her husband's surname for the first time, and it was the first time she had a family name.
Mako explains, "Our marriage was a necessary choice for us to live while cherishing our hearts."
Mako, who turned 30 three days before the wedding, is Emperor Naruhito's niece. Mako turned down a payment of 140 million yen ($1.23 million).
She is the first member of the imperial family not to receive the payment since World War II, and she chose to do so in response to criticism of the marriage.
Mako left the palace on Tuesday morning, dressed in a pale blue gown and carrying a bouquet.
According to the Imperial Household Agency, the couple's marriage document was submitted and made official by a palace official on Tuesday morning. "I adore Mako," Komuro replied.
Disclaimer: Comments and opinions on any part of this website are the opinions of blog commenters or anonymous individuals, and do not reflect Strenuous Blog position.