Japanese have rejoiced over the news of Princess Mako's impending engagement to a former fellow student, while some expressed hope that her marriage to a commoner will help bring the Imperial family closer to the public.
"It's very joyous. It makes me happy as well," said a 26-year-old company worker who was a classmate of the princess for two years while they were attending Gakushuin Girls' Junior and Senior High School.
The 25-year-old grandchild of Emperor Akihito was active and friendly to others, playing volleyball at lunch nearly every day and sometimes going out to a movie with her classmates, the company worker said. Last October, the princess chatted with her about their student days during a reunion.