Japan empress turns 56, still recovering her mental health
TOKYO (AP) — Japanese Empress Masako, still recovering from stressinduced mental health issues, said Monday she was happy to have completed her duties as part of Emperor Naruhito's enthronement rituals and pledged to keep up the work and help her husband more for the happiness of the people.
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.
A Harvard-educated former diplomat, Masako had been largely absent from public appearances for years. She developed adjustment disorder, a condition marked by depression and other stress-induced symptoms, after giving birth to the couple's only child, Princess Aiko, and facing pressure to have a son to continue Japan's male-only imperial succession.
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 fulfill 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.
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.