Congratulatory messages poured in after the engagement of Princess Mako, the eldest granddaughter of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, to her boyfriend from university days was announced Sunday.
But the celebratory mood was soured by North Korea's sixth nuclear test the same day, with Imperial Household Agency officials and the couple's acquaintances expressing displeasure that the detonation coincided with the auspicious occasion.
"I convey congratulations from the bottom of my heart. This is truly happy news that cheers up the citizens of Japan," Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said of the princess's engagement to Kei Komuro.