Crown Princess Masako expresses 'deep emotion,' thanks Imperial Couple as she turns 55

TOKYO -- Crown Princess Masako stated she feels "deep emotion and a sense of loss," and expressed her gratitude to Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko and other people who supported her as she turned 55 on Dec. 9 -- her last birthday in the Heisei era that will end in April 2019 when the Emperor abdicates, and her husband Crown Prince Naruhito assumes the Imperial Throne on May 1.

At some 3,000 characters, this year's written statement from the Crown Princess on the occasion of her birthday was her longest since 2003, when she stopped holding her birthday press conference due to a stress-induced illness.

About becoming empress, the Crown Princess revealed that she "felt not sure how much service I can be." However, she would like to make her observation of the Imperial Couple's words and deeds "food of thought" in supporting her husband and doing her best for the happiness of the people of Japan.

In the statement, the Crown Princess also mentioned her attendance at the Japanese Red Cross Society's national assembly in May as honorary vice president for the first time in 15 years, along with Empress Michiko, the society's honorary president. In addition, Crown Princess Masako mentioned that she was taught by the Empress how to perform sericulture activities introduced into the Imperial Household during the Meiji era (1868-1912) to promote the silk industry. She said she felt "extreme gratitude" for these experiences.

About her marriage spanning some 25 years, the Crown Princess wrote that she was recalling once again "the support and assistance provided by many people." She revealed that a lot of people offered her warm words during the annual autumn garden party at Tokyo's Akasaka Imperial Garden.

According to the Imperial Household Agency, Crown Princess Masako has increased opportunities to hear expert lectures on people facing many social challenges, along with the Crown Prince. In January, she received explanations from university professors and others about rehabilitation programs for people who have committed wrongdoings and crimes, and in March on child poverty. The Crown Princess referred to the seriousness of child abuse poverty. "Her Imperial Highness is searching for new activities," said a senior agency official.

According to a statement from a team of doctors attending the Crown Princess, she has "built up confidence by steadily carrying out activities, and the range of her actions is widening." The doctors added that it is important for her to keep receiving treatment without pushing too far, as a long string of important events related to the Imperial succession is scheduled for next year.

(Japanese original by Hiroyuki Takashima, City News Department)