Society

Princess Mako's fiance-to-be to work in New York

Jul 31 (NHK) - NHK has learned that the man whose engagement with Japan's Princess Mako was postponed is to start his law career in the US state of New York.

Sources say Komuro Kei took a bar exam in the state this week and the result is due by mid-December.

They also say he has a prospect of working at a local law firm.

Komuro is a college classmate of Princess Mako, a niece of Emperor Naruhito.

The Imperial Household Agency announced in 2017 that the two were getting engaged.

But the agency later announced a postponement of ceremonies leading up to their wedding following media reports about a financial problem between Komuro's mother and her former fiance.

Komuro moved to the United States three years ago to study at Fordham University School of Law in New York State with the aim of obtaining a state license to practice law. He graduated from the law school this May.

He will reportedly keep living in New York to prepare for his new career.

Osaka Police End 14-Hour Siege

Police in Osaka arrested a 48-year-old man on October 22nd after a tense 14-hour standoff in which he allegedly held a woman at knifepoint inside an apartment. A special tactical unit forced entry into the residence late at night, ending the standoff without injuries.

Imperial Family Pays Tribute to War Victims

The Emperor, Empress, and their daughter Princess Aiko visited the Tokyo Metropolitan Memorial Hall in Sumida Ward on Thursday afternoon, marking their first visit to the site as Japan observes the 80th year since the end of World War II. They were greeted upon arrival by Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike and other officials.

First Snow Caps Mount Fuji, 15 Days Earlier Than Last Year

The Kofu Local Meteorological Observatory announced on October 23rd that the season’s first snow had been observed on Mount Fuji, which stands 3,776 meters tall. Around 6 a.m., an official visually confirmed that snow had clearly accumulated near the summit.

Tokyo’s Aging Expressway Reborn After Major Overhaul

After nearly a decade of construction, the newly rebuilt Haneda Line of the Metropolitan Expressway, one of Tokyo’s key arteries linking the city center with Haneda Airport, has been unveiled to the media ahead of its official switch to a new road on October 29th.

New Cabinet Takes On 'Takaichi Color'

The newly launched Takaichi Cabinet moved into full operation on October 22nd, with early personnel decisions revealing a clear conservative tone. Satsuki Katayama was appointed as finance minister and Kimi Onoda as minister in charge of foreign resident policy, underscoring what observers are calling the emergence of a distinct “Takaichi color.”

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