Pre-reading questions:
- What is a Japanese wedding like?
- Would you like to marry in Japan? Why or why not?
Vocabulary:
- imperial /im-PEER-ee-uhl/
- household /HOUS-hohld/
- commoner /KOM-uh-ner/
- allow /uh-LOU/
- payment /PEY-muhnt/
[adjective] an empire or the person or country that rules it
The imperial guards stormed the palace.
[noun] a group of people, often a family, who live together
At that time, not many households had telephones.
[noun] a person who does not belong to the royal family
A prince is allowed to marry a commoner.
[verb] to give permission or to permit
Food and drinks are not allowed in some cinemas.
[noun] an amount of money paid
The man will receive the full payment tomorrow.
Princess Ayako is the third youngest daughter of the late Prince Takamado. Prince Takamado is Emperor Akihito’s cousin. As a member of the royal family, Princess Ayako has to leave the imperial household once she marries Kei Moriya.
Since Kei Moriya is a commoner, Princess Ayako will not be allowed to keep her royal status. However, she will receive a bonus payment of $1,000,000. Princess Ayako’s marriage will reduce the number of members of the imperial household to 18.
Since Kei Moriya is a commoner, Princess Ayako will not be allowed to keep her royal status. However, she will receive a bonus payment of $1,000,000. Princess Ayako’s marriage will reduce the number of members of the imperial household to 18.
Comprehension Questions:
- Who is Emperor Akihito’s cousin?
- How is Princess Ayako related to Emperor Akihito?
- How much will Princess Ayako receive as a bonus payment?
- How many members are there in the imperial household?
- What is the name of Princess Ayako’s fiancé?
Discussion Questions:
- Do you think commoners should be allowed to marry royals? Why or why not?
- Where do you think is the best place to get married in Japan?
- Do you think the female members of the imperial household should keep their royal status? Discuss.
- Do you think $1,000,000 is enough for a bonus payment? Why or why not?
- What do you think are the responsibilities of the royal family?