Recently, he returned to the nest after The Imperial Household Agency reportedly cut off his allowance-the Mori event marks his first official duty back. Three months ago, the prince famously severed ties with the imperial family and moved off their estate. There, he toasted the new princess and said he was looking forward to meeting her. On the other hand, His Imperial Highness Prince Yoshihito was spotted at the kickoff of Mori Art Museum’s newest exhibit. The two aren’t used to sharing the spotlight.

But everyone is wondering how the twins will handle this new interloper. They’ve been media-shy since our March 1 article covering the adjustment disorder of their mother, Her Imperial Highness Princess Midori.

When asked about the newest addition, the twin princesses, their Imperial Highnesses Akiko and Noriko (pictured here on a Goodwill Ambassador trip to Peru) refused to comment. The Imperial Household Agency has remained mum on the matter, only issuing a brief press release after the news broke. Even better? She’s been raised in America with no knowledge of her royal roots. Weeks ago, the world’s oldest and most private monarchy was rocked with shocking news: His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Toshihito has fathered an illegitimate child. I might be recreated.Īll attention should be on Prime Minister Adachi’s upcoming nuptials, but the bride’s thunder has officially been stolen. I’m unsteady and scared and excited-alive and on the verge. This must be what standing at the edge of a cliff is like, unsure waters raging below. My fingers tap a rhythm against my thighs. “Excellent,” he purrs, then rattles off how excited the Crown Prince will be to hear of my RSVP. “I’d like to accept my father’s offer.” Fortune favors the bold. She’s already moving toward Ambassador Saito and his team, ready to usher them out the door. Noora scowls, whispering, “If you don’t go, I don’t think I ever really knew you.” So basically, shrivel and collapse into myself like a dying star. The downside: failure to meet both my father’s expectations and mine. It would be so nice to walk into a restaurant and not be in the minority. The upsides: a dad and a country where I might belong, blend in, turn on the television and see someone who looks like me. Allow myself to entertain the idea of Japan, of a father. I look at the invitation, chew my lower lip, and contemplate. All the time I need suddenly feels like within the next sixty seconds. Take all the time you need.”Īll eyes are on me again. I’m sure Ambassador Saito doesn’t need an answer right this minute.”Īmbassador Saito is utterly serene.

“I guess it’s not the worst thing in the world if you miss a week or two of school. Then adds, “Last semester of senior year is basically a wash, anyway.” Noora elbows my mom. Zoom Zoom could go then and the week after?” she helpfully chimes in.

Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean