Next Japan emperor celebrates ex-Princess Ayako's marriage

Kyodo -- Oct 31

About 70 dignitaries including imperial family members and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday attended the wedding banquet of the former Princess Ayako, the youngest daughter of Emperor Akihito's late cousin, and her husband Kei Moriya in Tokyo following their marriage the previous day.

Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako were also among the participants at the event held at a luxury hotel in Tokyo.

At the outset, the prime minister delivered a congratulatory speech and the crown prince gave a toast.

"Please make a joyous family full of smiles by taking care of each other," said the crown prince, who also spoke about his experience of meeting with Moriya's grandparents while he was studying in Britain.