Vocabulary:
- lessen /LES-uhn/
- imperial /im-PEER-ee-uhl/
- retain /ri-TEYN/
- status /STEY-tuhs/
- compensation /kom-puh n-SEY-shuhn/
[verb] to shrink in size, number, or degree
The pain will lessen over time.
[adjective] characterizing the rule or authority of a sovereign state over its dependencies
They executed Russia’s imperial family in 1918.
[verb] to continue to use or practice something
The landlord may retain part of your deposit if you break the lease.
[noun] an accepted or official position, especially in a social group
They want to maintain the city’s status as a major tourist attraction.
[noun] the state of being paid or rewarded
The court awarded the victims millions of dollars in compensation.
Princess Ayako is set to marry Kei Moriya on October 29. They will get married at Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo. Princess Ayako’s mother introduced Kei Moriya to her in December 2017. Kei Moriya is a board member of a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). Both of them are interested in global welfare activities.
Princess Ayako’s marriage to Kei Moriya will lessen the number of members of the imperial household. According to Japanese law, princesses who marry commoners are prohibited to retain their royal status. Instead, they will receive a bonus payment amounting to $1,000,000 as compensation. Princess Mako, Princess Ayako’s cousin and the first daughter of Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko, will also get married soon. Princess Ayako will be the second princess of the imperial family to get engaged in the last two years.
Princess Ayako’s marriage to Kei Moriya will lessen the number of members of the imperial household. According to Japanese law, princesses who marry commoners are prohibited to retain their royal status. Instead, they will receive a bonus payment amounting to $1,000,000 as compensation. Princess Mako, Princess Ayako’s cousin and the first daughter of Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko, will also get married soon. Princess Ayako will be the second princess of the imperial family to get engaged in the last two years.
True or False:
- Kei Moriya was introduced to Princess Ayako in December 2018.
- Princess Ayako’s mother and Kei Moriya are interested in global welfare activities.
- A compensation worth $1,000,000 will be given to Princess Ayako after she marries Kei Moriya.
- Princess Mako is the first princess of the imperial family to get engaged in the last two years.
- According to Japanese Law, royals are prohibited to retain their royal status.
Discussion Questions:
- What do you think about Princess Ayako’s engagement?
- Do you think religion influences marriage? If so, in what ways?
- What do you think of arranged marriage?
- Do you think getting married means giving up freedom? Discuss.
- Do you think marriage is very stressful for women? How about for men?
Express Your Opinion:
- “Love is moral even without legal marriage, but marriage is immoral without love.” – Ellen Key
- “It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages.” – Friedrich Nietzsche
- “A happy wife is a happy life.” – Gavin Rossdale