Noriko Senge

Noriko Senge (千家典子, Senge Noriko, born 22 July 1988), formerly Princess Noriko of Takamado (典子女王, Noriko Joō), is a former member of the Imperial House of Japan and the second daughter of Norihito, Prince Takamado and Hisako, Princess Takamado. She married Kunimaro Senge, a commoner, on 5 October 2014. As a result, she gave up her imperial title and left the Japanese Imperial Family, as required by law.

After her birth, her father, Prince Takamado, chose her name. She went to Gakushuin Kindergarten. After that she attended the prestigious Gakushuin School for her primary, junior high, and high school education.

In April 2007, Princess Noriko enrolled in the Gakushuin University, Faculty of Letters, Department of Psychology, and expressed her intent to pursue studies in the field of clinical psychology.

In July 2008, she came of age and attended official ceremonies in Japan with the other members of the Imperial Family. She attended official functions at the palace and accompanied her mother to some other official events, as well as attending some on her own. On 20 March 2011, she graduated from Gakushuin University with the B.A. degree in Psychology.

On 27 May 2014, she announced her engagement to Kunimaro Senge (千家国麿, Senge Kunimaro, born (1973-09-02)2 September 1973), a kannushi for the Izumo-taisha shrine. The two married on 5 October at the shrine. The robes worn by Princess Noriko during the procession and for the wedding ceremony were given to her grandmother Princess Mikasa by Empress Teimei upon her betrothal. After the wedding, Princess Noriko lost her imperial status. This change in her status is mandated by the Imperial Household Act of 1947 that requires females of the Imperial Family to relinquish their title from birth, official membership in the Imperial Family, and allowance from the state upon marriage to a commoner. On 6 October 2014, the private wedding reception for Kunimaro Senge and Noriko Senge took place at Hotel Ichihata in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture. About 280 guests including family and friends attended the reception. On 8 October 2014, the wedding banquet for the newlyweds took place at Hotel New Otani in Tokyo. The members of the Imperial Family attended the banquet. The government decided to bestow a one-time ¥106.75 million allowance on the couple.

Prior to her marriage on 5 October 2014, she was styled as Her Imperial Highness Princess Noriko of Takamado. After her marriage, she became known as Mrs. Kunimaro Senge, having adopted her husband's surname.

National honours

• Member of the Order of the Precious Crown, 2nd Class