日本真子公主將與平民男友訂婚 失去皇家身份
A member of Japan's royal family, Princess Mako, is to surrender her royal status by marrying a commoner.
日本皇室成員真子公主將要放棄皇室地位，嫁給一個平民。The 25-year-old eldest granddaughter of Emperor Akihito will become engaged to law firm worker Kei Komuro, also 25, whom she met while studying together.
今年25歲的真子公主是日本天皇明仁的長孫女，她即將與同歲的大學同學小室圭訂婚，小室圭目前在法律事務所工作。Japan's imperial law requires a princess to leave the royal family after marrying a commoner.
日本的皇家法律規定，在公主嫁給平民後，她就將脫離皇籍。
The move, first reported by local media, is expected to reignite debate on the ever-shrinking royal family.
在當地媒體率先報道出此條消息之後，人員逐漸減少的皇室家族成爲了公衆討論的熱點話題。
Princess Mako and Kei Komuro met in 2012 when they studied at the International Christian University in Tokyo.
真子公主是在2012年於東京國際基督教大學與小室圭相識的。Asked about their engagement plans, Mr Komuro last Wednesday was quoted as saying: "Now is not the time for me to comment, but I want to speak at the right time."
在被問及他們的訂婚計劃時，小室圭於上週三表示：“現在不是我發表意見的時候，不過我會在合適的時候發言。”The Imperial Household confirmed for US broadcaster CNN that plans were under way for the princess's engagement.
日本皇室則向美國有線電視新聞網證實了公主的訂婚計劃正在進行中。Emperor Akihito, 83, hinted last August that he wanted to stand down, saying his age could interfere with his duties.
日本明仁天皇現年83歲，去年8月他曾暗示想要退位，表示自己年事已高，履行職責力不從心。Japan is currently considering legal changes to allow the emperor to abdicate.
目前，日本正在考慮是否要修改法律，允許天皇生前退位。
