In November 2005, Princess Sayako — the only daughter of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko — decided to give up her title in order to marry urban planner Yoshiki Kuroda. Though Sayako lost both her position in the imperial family and her generous allowance, she was happy to forfeit her title. "I want to learn various new things, and I look forward to a new life," she said during a news conference.