Japanese Empress Masako celebrates 56th birthday, recovering from stress illness despite increased scrutiny
- Masako developed adjustment disorder, a condition marked by depression and other stress-induced symptoms, after giving birth to Princess Aiko
- Emperor Naruhito’s succession rituals spanned from late April to early December, and Masako attended and appeared in good spirits
In a palace statement marking her 56th birthday, Masako thanked people who have warmly welcomed the couple after Naruhito succeeded to the throne on May 1, following his father’s abdication.
“Many smiley faces I’ve seen in many places are precious memories for me and they will be my big moral support as I move forward,” the statement said.
Harvard expert says Masako will perform role ‘effortlessly’
Masako’s long absence from imperial events and trips had raised concern that she could do even part of the work done by hugely popular former Empress Michiko.
Masako thanked Naruhito for his consideration and support for her and said that she hoped to further improve her health so she can give him more support.
“I hope to fulfil my duty as empress, while trying to further improve my health so that I can help His Majesty and work for the people’s happiness, together with him,” the statement released by the Imperial Household Agency said.
Her doctors said Masako has been able to expand her activities and regained confidence little by little as she constantly sought ways to maintain her health while taking care of her daughter, Princess Aiko. Warm welcome from the people also gave her encouragement.
But the doctors say she managed to complete her duties related to the enthronement ceremonies because of her strong sense of responsibility, not because she had fully recovered.
“We believe it’s desirable” that she was able to expand her activity, the doctors said in a statement that was also released by the palace.
“But she has not fully recovered and her conditions have ups and downs. She gets tired after a major event or after a series of events,” the doctors said. “Having over-expectations could go counter to her recovery.”
The doctors said it is important for Masako to continue her treatment while obtaining understanding and support from around her. “We hope you will continue to warmly watch over her recovery,” they said.
There are expectations that Naruhito – who is Japan’s first emperor with a college degree and who studied at Oxford – and Masako will internationalise the imperial household.