Japanese Emperor Akihito?s only daughter formally relinquished her title as princess yesterday following her marriage the day before, but her father has promised she is welcome at the palace any time. Former princess Sayako married Yoshiki Kuroda, a Tokyo urban planner, in a simple ceremony on Tuesday, trading life in the Imperial Palace for an ordinary apartment and official duties for housework. Sayako, 36, has confessed that she was a bit anxious about starting a new life as a commoner, where she faces new challenges such as driving, paying taxes and shopping.

But on her wedding day, Empress Michiko gave Sayako a warm hug and reassured her saying, ?You?ll be fine, you?ll be fine.? Michiko, 71, who took the opposite course by becoming the first commoner to marry into the royal family, was said to have been bullied by courtiers in the early years of her marriage and has said Sayako was always a source of support at tough times. Akihito also told his daughter, ?Our family ties will not change, so please visit us from time to time.?