A member of Japan's royal family, Princess Mako, is to surrender her royal status by marrying a commoner.

日本皇室成员真子公主将要放弃皇室地位，嫁给一个平民。

The 25-year-old eldest¹ granddaughter of Emperor Akihito will become engaged to law firm worker Kei Komuro, also 25, whom she met while studying together.

今年25岁的真子公主是日本天皇明仁的长孙女，她即将与同岁的大学同学小室圭订婚，小室圭目前在法律事务所工作。

Japan's imperial law requires a princess to leave the royal family after marrying a commoner.

日本的皇家法律规定，在公主嫁给平民后，她就将脱离皇籍。

The move, first reported by local media, is expected to reignite debate on the ever-shrinking royal family.

在当地媒体率先报道出此条消息之后，人员逐渐减少的皇室家族成为了公众讨论的热点话题。

Princess Mako and Kei Komuro met in 2012 when they studied at the International Christian² University in Tokyo.

真子公主是在2012年于东京国际基督教大学与小室圭相识的。

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."

在被问及他们的订婚计划时，小室圭于上周三表示：“现在不是我发表意见的时候，不过我会在合适的时候发言。”

The Imperial Household confirmed for US broadcaster CNN that plans were under way for the princess's engagement.

日本皇室则向美国有线电视新闻网证实了公主的订婚计划正在进行中。

Emperor Akihito, 83, hinted last August that he wanted to stand down, saying his age could interfere³ with his duties.

日本明仁天皇现年83岁，去年8月他曾暗示想要退位，表示自己年事已高，履行职责力不从心。

Japan is currently considering legal changes to allow the emperor to abdicate⁴.

目前，日本正在考虑是否要修改法律，允许天皇生前退位。