On Tuesday, Emperor Akihito of Japan stepped down in the first abdication of the Chrysanthemum Throne in 200 years. In the first four episodes of this series, the world’s oldest monarchy survived defeat in war, a firebomb, a precarious courtship and the failure of Akihito’s son Naruhito to produce an heir. The family’s story continues here.

The last time the paparazzi got a good look at Kei Komuro, he was arriving at law school in New York a year ago for the start of the fall semester, swinging a soft briefcase and looking stylish in an off-white blazer, khakis and brown brogues.

Then, a few weeks ago, a magazine published a photo of Mr. Komuro off campus in an untucked shirt in need of ironing and a pair of Crocs. His hair had grown shaggy, and he was ordering an afternoon snack at a falafel cart.

The pundits on television in Tokyo wondered: Had he been so busy studying that he didn’t have time for a haircut? Was he having a late lunch to save money?

The question actually on their minds — on most everyone’s in Japan, really — was more pointed : Is this guy good enough for Princess Mako, the eldest granddaughter of Emperor Akihito?