Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1959-03-15
PHILADELPHIA, Pa.

PHILADELPHIA, PA.
Within few weeks the Crown Prince Of Japan will be
married to Michiko Shoda, girl who before the
would have been able to look into his face. Had she
him at all then, unlikely event, she would have
had to bow low that she could not have seen more
than his knees and feet.
Even during the four years following the war; when
was his American tutor and many changes taking
place. did not suppose that MISUNDERSTANDING
engagement would ever come about.
Miss Shoda, who will be his bride, is enchanting
girl but she does not belong any Of the five traditional
families from which Crown Princes consort through
Us generations has been selected She does not
belong to the old nobility. She comes Of the respected
Sama Glass; the warriors who served the feudal lords
and her father president Of the Nisshin Flour Milling
Company, largest in Japan, and director Of the Fedora
ton Of Economic Organizations, similar to the National
Association Of Manufacturers in the US. Wealthy. he
lives unosentatously in IO-room, two-story house
of Western design in Tokyo with his wife. daughter
Mchko, and youngest son. Another son works for the
Bank Of Japan.
That is one amazing factor in the royal engagement
Another is that the Crown Prince has chosen his bride
himself.
Years OF Change
Arranged marriages have been from time immemorial
the rigid custom for everyone in Japan Romantic love
was considered somewhat improper and undigniied,
scandal to be lived down through the years. 1t usually
resulted IN separation and TRAGEDY, seldom IN marriage
But these have been years Of change in Japan Feudal
customs have been slipping away fast in a country
which has advanced to the forefront of the worlds
industrial nations. The Crown Princes dramatic deci
sion to wed girl who is commoner would not have
caused such rejoicing his subjects had been ready
for member Of the imperial family to ignore a custom
the people have ceased to believe in.
The Imperial Council, a small committee OF dis
ngushed and important men, has been searching for
bride for Prince Akihto for the last years. ever
since he turned 49, The doSSerS of of girls have
been studied. At first the Crown Prince accepted the
system inevitable; he asked only for the power Of
veto. Then, in the mountain resort Of karulZawa,
where he enjoys freedom and informally of life which
is impossible for him in Tokyo, he met Mchiko ShOda
on the tennis court lost the match to her and his
heart with it.
Four of the Crown Princes friends assisted the court
ship by carrying messages and arranging casual meet
ngS. This service necessary. since even in Karui-
zawa Prince may not make date with girl and see
her alone Three Of this committee" had been the
Crown Princes classmates in the Peers School, and
remember them WELL for taught Prince Akiho in his
was younger brother of classmate All are devoted
to the Prince and eager to help him from the out
worn trappings of imperial tradition.
The official committee already had Miss Shoda on its
list and had found her ideal character and person.
atty but heSitated because Of her comparatively humble
birth. At length, pressed by the Crown Prince, they
threw aside their ScrupleS Only Miss Shoda herself
remained be convinced Aware of the difficulties in
being the first marry future emperor of
Japan she went abroad to think it over When she gave