With a shy but steady wave, Japan's Crown Princess Masako greeted a crowd of some 14,000 well-wishers from the balcony of Tokyo's Imperial Palace on Friday. In one of a handful of appearances this year, she joined her husband, Crown Prince Naruhito to celebate the 72nd birthday of Emperor Akihito.
The troubled 42-year-old royal - who has been suffering from a stress-related illness for the past two years - appears to be slowly easing her way back into public life. "I am gradually getting better and have begun attending public events little by little," said the former career diplomat in a statement released earlier this month.
Masako recently welcomed visiting foreign dignitaries at Togu Palace in the capital, and in November attended the wedding of her sister-in law, Sayako Kuroda. She also looked relaxed and happy in photos taken for the fourth birthday of her daughter Princess Aiko, who appears to be a great comfort. "I feel her growth when I see her humour and thoughtfulness," said the royal.
For the emperor's special day, Masako had chosen an elegant aqua suit and hat. The bright colour seemed to match her more optimistic demeanour, as the succession crisis that is in part blamed for her condition appears to be nearing resolution.
In November a panel of experts recommended that the country's constitution be changed to allow the emperor's first-born child to ascend to the Chrysanthemum throne, regardless of gender. And in a move supported by three-quarters of Japanese voters the government announced that a bill clearing the way for the Aiko to become head of state would be submitted in January.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
