Prince Akishino, the younger son of Emperor Akihito, has questioned whether the state should finance one of the Shinto-linked rituals to be held following the Imperial succession.
The prince, speaking at a news conference held before his 53rd birthday Friday, also had a message for Kei Komuro, the boyfriend of his daughter, Princess Mako. The prince urged Komuro — whose mother is involved in a dispute with her former fiance over money spent on Komuro's education — to deal appropriately with the issue if he wants to marry her.
Prince Akishino will be promoted to first in line to the throne after the enthronement of his brother, Crown Prince Naruhito, on May 1, 2019.