Japan's former Princess Mako, right, the elder daughter of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, and her husband Kei Komuro, attend a press conference to announce their marriage, at a hotel in Tokyo, Japan, on Oct. 26, 2021. (Nicolas Datiche/Pool Photo via AP)

       TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Former princess Mako Komuro, who married commoner Kei Komuro on Tuesday, said her new husband is "irreplaceable" and that their marriage was a "necessary choice" despite controversy over the union stemming from a family financial dispute.

       Speaking to the press after registering their marriage, the former princess said she understands there are differing opinions about their union, but it was necessary for them to "live while cherishing and protecting our feelings."

       Kei Komuro also said, "I love Mako san. I'd like to spend my life with a person I love."

       "We will start a new life together. I know there would be different types of difficulties in our lives, but I would like for us to overcome them together as we have done until now," the former princess said at a Tokyo hotel.

       Kei Komuro said he will "do whatever possible" to solve the money trouble involving his mother and her former fiance while voicing regret at how the couple and their families became the targets of constant criticism since magazines first reported on the financial dispute in December 2017.

       The former princess, a niece of Emperor Naruhito, has been diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder, the Imperial Household Agency recently said.

       "For the past few years, incorrect information was treated as if it was true, and I am very saddened that Mako san had problems on her physical and mental health due to defamation," he said.

       The former princess also said she had "fear, pain and sadness about the spread of erroneous information as if it was true" every time she heard "unfounded speculations" that her partner had made unilateral decisions, not caring about her feelings.

       Following short opening remarks, written responses by the couple to five questions submitted in advance by the media were distributed, and the couple exited the room in about 10 minutes.

       The newlyweds were originally scheduled to give verbal answers to the questions, but the agency abruptly announced on Monday night that they would provide written responses in consideration of the health of the former princess.

       Font Size S M L Print Timeline 0