national

Crown prince seeks public understanding for ailing wife

79 Comments

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© Copyright 2008/9 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

79 Comments
Login to comment

she should start doing some work or give me my taxes back

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Get well soon princess. my best wishes for recovery from illness.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

It's been a long years that Princess Masako experienced depression because of her surroundings (IHA)working people. Why can't she suggest to her father-in law to let those harmful IHA working people leave the palace and let them resigned from work. Then replace them to some Professional, competent, trustworthy, loyal plus stress free maker new IHA personnel. Change some suffocated system is also for the betterment of her health, peace of mind and emotional being. I bet the princess can move easily, can comply her duty as a crown princess and she can even help in an extra ordinary way in bringing accomplishments and excellency towards their majestic Royal Family Imperial Household.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Republic of texas: it's ok, it is fine...I still appreciate your brilliant mind. Sometimes we forget names especially nicknames or childhood names.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Xentrix you're right on the Prince Hiro, it's just that I've rarely (maybe once or twice) heard Prince Naruhito referred to by his childhood name. Sorry.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Cleo dear, When you mentioned about moustachio'd, IT TICKLES ME...ha!ha!ha! Just joking...

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Empress Michiko not only faced Masako's problems, but she was also disliked by her mother-in-law and yet she has continued her official duties, even at her current age.

And she has suffered bouts of being unable to speak, caused by stress. The environment of the Imperial Household is not conducive to robust mental health. If the Crown Prince really cares for his wife (and I think he does) he should let the Moustachio'd One take over as heir and take Masako and Aiko far away from the diseased clutches of the IHA.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

To Republic of Texas: you have that authentic knowledge about IHA and about Japan's Royal Family. Thank you so much from your concise and thorough explanations and answers. I agree from all of your discussions. Well I just mention about "crown prince Hiro" in my last comment I think his childhood name is Prince Hiro no miya. If I'm wrong then you can correct me again. Don't you worry, I appreciate much of your answers you have that unique intellect. Hug you...In your last sentence "Empress Michiko not only faced Masako's problems, but she was also disliked by her mother-in-law and yet she has continued her official duties, even at her current age." I think the women of yesterday has a long patience more than those new generation women. Me too I don't have a lot of patience. I cannot focused on my work if I'm so stress. The worst is that I don't know whose the secret people paralyzing my success eventhough I am just an ordinary divorced lady.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

WilliB - Sorry, but I still have very little sympathy for her. Family pressure, imperial pressure aside, she was a grown up when she made the decision. As a grown up, she could have turned the CP down.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Xentrix

Don' mention it. I myself am a little confused by how much power the IHA has over the royal family, so I can't really answer your first question. as for your second, I don't think that they dislike the princess, but rather they are overly concerned with her bearing a male heir. I think now that Hisahito has been born they should let up a little on her give her some more freedom and space. I think that the IHA takes their job of protecting the Imperial Family a little too far. They are so concerned with a male heir and sheltering the Imperial family that they are actually hurting it. One would think they would notice this, so the whole thing baffles me. Also the next Emperor of Japan would be Naruhito, Hirohito was the current emperor's father. I strongly disagree with the belief that the Imperial family itself is the problem, but rather i think it is the IHA. The entire family has a lot of pressure put on them. Unlike many Western royals they have to always be "perfect" and scandal-free, they have a wide array of ancient Shinto rituals they must perform, plus they have all the diplomatic demands that other royals have. Lastly, though I have the utmost sympathy for Princess Masako, one has to put things in perspective. Empress Michiko not only faced Masako's problems, but she was also disliked by her mother-in-law and yet she has continued her official duties, even at her current age.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

This is intended to "Republic of Texas", Thank you from your clear answers. But may I ask some more questions, How can they be so strict (IHA) and bullying the princess if their works seems professional? Don't they like the princess? They are stressing the princess that is why she cannot comply her duty as a princess. Maybe the princess needs time to contemplate on what she experienced on the hands of the IHA assistants. In my own opinion if she do something hastily like a divorced or making something for her common good. I think crown prince Hiro's image is at stake. Everybody is expected him to become the next Emperor in Japan.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Blue Tiger:

" Princess Masako was a grown woman when she made the decision to marry Prince Naruhito. "

Easy for you to pontificate. We are not her shoes, we can not start to imagine what sort of pressure she was under from her family and the imperial minions to go along with this. Remember how long she hesitated? Sneering is is easy when you are free.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

what are really the main purpose of those IHA assistants

The main purpose of the IHA (in all seriousness) is to manage the Imperial family's image, as well as set up appointments, sort of like a PR person, secretary, and "servants" rolled into one.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

"USARonin, I just hope she stops it with the "poor me" thing."

BeeTee, where in the JapanToday article, above, does it say CP Masako makes her thoughts or speech on any of this? It's all supposition and innuendo (is that rudundacal?).

You're attributin' an attitude and mindset to CP Masako that nowhere in this article exists.

Please don't be a "Nancy Grace", 'cause EnGee must be stopped.

USAR

0 ( +0 / -0 )

USARonin, I just hope she stops it with the "poor me" thing. Sometimes your choices in life bring depression about. That's part of living in the world today. Deal with it, and move on....

0 ( +0 / -0 )

BeeTee, I hope if CP Masako "(gets) out there", she'll do it with some kind of dignity versus that circus that was "Princess Di".

USAR

0 ( +0 / -0 )

USARonin, the point I was trying to make is that Princess Di got up, got out of the cush life, and did something. Simpleton or not, she didn't sit around a cushy house and pined away at her ills; even when Prince Chas played around on her, she didn't bemoan her woes, but got up, got out there, and lived. Masako could do the same, if she really wanted to....

0 ( +0 / -0 )

By the way, what are really the main purpose of those IHA assistants tried to bully the princess and keep making her stress? Are they the contrabidas of the leading lady? What a big challenge for the princess if thier purpose is this quotation "the flower grows in adversity is the most beautiful of all". Are IHA testing her real beauty. If it's artificial or genuine? What a distrust so it ends up distress isn't it?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

If "what is thought to be" is true, this is unfortunate. CP Masako has a right to a life no matter her station.

BeeTee, Princess Dianna was a simpleton who was worthy of the tabloid press she queened. Did she deserve death? No, but sometimes simpletons court it. I was never crazy about her plan to remove mines from the Korean DMZ. Her death served a purpose. It's all moot now.

USAR

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I'm going to say this, and it comes knowing the familial aspects of Japanese life, and the pressures that family can put one under, but it needs to be said:

Princess Masako was a grown woman when she made the decision to marry Prince Naruhito. If I'm not totally off base here, she was of legal age both in Japan, where her family is from, and in the USA, where she was living before she married. As a grown woman, Masako could have said "No" to becoming a princess and the wife of the Japanese Imperial Crown Prince. Depsite all of this, she said "Yes," had her dreamy, royal wedding, and became a part fo the Imperial Family. I am sure that Masako did not wal;k into this marriage without knowing what she was giving up, what she was gettign into, and what kind of life she'd lead as the wife of the Crown Prince of the Emperor of Japan. If she, in fact, DID walk into this naiively and blindly, or if she did, in fact, have all of the details of the life she would lead, the bottom line is she was a grown woman who made a decision that she could have refused, shame falling on her family for refusing notwithstanding.

Basically, what I'm saying here is that I have very little sympathy for Crown Princess Masako. She wasn't a teen-aged girl being handed over to the Imperial Family in hopes of Daddy and Mommy becoming nobility, and she wasn't a star-struck, blinded-by-love girl who had the rug pulledo ut from underneath her feet. Masako knew what she was doing, knew that her life would be under incredible scrutiny, and went into this marriage with her eyes wide open. She was an adult, and this adjustment depression she is suffering, while tragic, is a result of her making a choice as an adult. Personally, I think it is time for her to basically grow up, be a good mother to her daughter Aiko (who's as cute asa button), and a good wife to her husband Prince Naruhito. Even in a place such as the Imperial Household, life is what you make of it. Princess Diana was dealt a pretty bad hand, despitem arryign a crown prince, yet she is remembered worldwide for actually having the gumption to get out and do something. Masako could do the same thing....

0 ( +0 / -0 )

So basically she's stuck in that palace surrounded by people who ensure she constantly follows protocol... and you wonder WHY she continues to be stressed?

Poor lady, sounds like she just needs to get away from that stuffy palace and all its protocols :(

0 ( +0 / -0 )

They should get American psychiatrists.

B/c American shrinks are so much better.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Why don:t they just go on a damn holiday, and get out of Japan and away from the environment that caused the stress in the first place?? call me crazy...

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Even if you hired European physicians I doubt she'd get any better.

You are right. They should get American psychiatrists.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

There is a difference between recovering and managing.

Exactly, they are managing it and she's not recovering. It probably has nothing to do with her doctors. It's her surrounding environment that's keeping her from recovering. Even if you hired European physicians I doubt she'd get any better.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Not all be recover from a mental illness.

Tex - There is a difference between recovering and managing.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Ok, this has spiked an interest, so here is the whole song in edited form (OK, IRH Masako, I'm with u.

omg, tears in my eyes, not the sad kind just cant stop laughing

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Ok, this has spiked an interest, so here is the whole song in edited form (OK, IRH Masako, I'm with u...)

When you were here before, Couldn't look you in the eye You're just like an angel, Your skin makes me cry

You float like a feather In a beautiful world I wish I was special You're so very special

But I'm a creep, I'm a weirdo What the hell am I doin' here? I don't belong here

I don't care if it hurts, I wanna have control I want a perfect body I want a perfect soul

I want you to notice when I'm not around You're so very special I wish I was special

But I'm a creep I'm a weirdo What the hell am I doin' here? I don't belong here, ohhhh, ohhhh

She's running out the door She's running out She run run run run... run...

Whatever makes you happy Whatever you want You're so very special I wish I was special

But I'm a creep, I'm a weirdo What the hell am I doin' here? I don't belong here

I don't belong here..

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Yeah, the tribute song to the princess from radiohead seems to be true. The princess is like an angel. She does responsibility to experienced the past happenings from his husband. It's like a Karma cycle. It sounds weird though if she can go back to thier past then if she can really save the person she love in the future. That is the power of meditation. The power of one's mind. I believe she is saving her husband from this present period. If she does'nt have a strong angel spirit I mean She might ends up the same as what other believes depression.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

medievaltimes

She hasnt been able to travel, much less leave the house for several years...whatever treatment they are using isnt working(and its scary to think of what the treatment is).

Not all be recover from a mental illness. Do you know for a fact that she has an incompetent medical staff? It's just speculation. Though I think she should be able to travel more, you seem to imply that she hasn't at all, she has been to the Netherlands in 2006, Australia in 2002, Belgium 1999, Jordan 1999, Kuwait, UAE, Jordan 1995, Saudia Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar 1994.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

anyway not all Japanese mental health physicians are sub-par, and I'm sure the ones treating the Princess are competent even by Western standards.

PubofTex - She hasnt been able to travel, much less leave the house for several years...whatever treatment they are using isnt working(and its scary to think of what the treatment is).

Put her in one of a number of other countries and I bet she would get better treatment/results.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

p.s. sympathy for the daughter-in^-law

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Prior to Akihito Emperors had no real childhood; nor real life for that matter. He picked himself a good wife and, I believe, they have both had a pleasant life.

I feel as much sympathy as I can muster for the elite. I would almost rather be a bum.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Well, I think she's great and I feel her pain. So if you are reading this Princess, here's a tribute lyric from Radiohead: When you were here before Couldn't look you in the eye You're just like an angel Your skin makes me cry You float like a feather In a beautiful world And I wish I was special You're so very special...

10 minutes later I'm still laughing!!!! well done!!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

trapped between the stupidity of its past and a forward thinking culture that cannot express itself properly.

This effectively explains every problem in Japan Today. I vote you the new Prime Minister.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

the "princess" is a uniquely japanese phenomenon. trapped between the stupidity of its past and a forward thinking culture that cannot express itself properly.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

She should get divorced, or walk into a TV studio and do a tell all. Trouble is, if she did either she would lose her daughter. With mental illness and odd behavior no way would she get custody.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Japanfriend:

" Being surrounded by happy people can have a positive effect on ones spirits. "

Sure, but she is surrounded by apparatchiks of the Imperial Household Agency. You try that and then tell us about happiness.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Medieval Times,

If you had looked a few posts back, you would have noticed I elaborated/clarified and anyway not all Japanese mental health physicians are sub-par, and I'm sure the ones treating the Princess are competent even by Western standards.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

She's the Crown Princess of Japan, she probably has the best medical services money can buy.

RepubofTexas - If the mental health services are in the stone age, it wont matter how much money you have.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Even she could do something if she wanted. Yes she's royalty. But, she choice this life. Deal with it or change it.

Noborito - Nice try but wrong again. Again, you are overlooking the biological function that takes place with a mental illness such as depression. Simply telling someone to "change it" is naive.

In a way its similar to telling an addict to "just stop". The problem is they cant. They need intervention to stop.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

She is not sick. She is just a prisioner of the imperial system. She is not allowed to leave Japan anytime she likes. Worst of all, they are trying to convince us that she is totally free... lies.. lies.. lies.. official lies.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Actually, the emperor system as we now know it goes back to the Meiji era.

I know, I'm just saying that the family as rulers dates back at least to the Yamato period.

She ought to get a divorce and get out of the imperial prison system, which, in fact, is oppressing everyone in Japan in one way or another and ought to be abolished.

By that do you mean the system or the monarchy itself? I am in favor of IHA reform, but I believe in the preservation of the Imperial family. The Imperial family preserves ancient Shinto rituals, serves in a diplomatic capacity, exists as a living symbol of Japan's ancient history, and enjoys widespread public support. Tenno heika banzai

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Actually, the emperor system as we now know it goes back to the Meiji era. But that is by the way.

Masako was born into a golden cage which put her into the platinum royal cage. I would rather sleep under a bridge than have the sort of life she is leading.

Japan's mental health services are not quite a primitive as you might think. Whatever the case, however, we can assume that the mental health care Masako is receiving in the imperial prison compound is equal to something like water torture.

She ought to get a divorce and get out of the imperial prison system, which, in fact, is oppressing everyone in Japan in one way or another and ought to be abolished.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

marry into an institution which is from the Dark Ages

The Dark Ages was a uniquely Western historical event and besides the Japanese Imperial Family is a lot older than the early medieval period. Also I think as uncaring as the IHA is, I'm sure that everything possible is being done to aid Princess Masako as it is in the IHA interests to cure her. Not all Japanese "mental health experts" are incompetent. Something as immovable as the IHA will eventually be swept along by the winds of change after all, it wasn't until recently (Empress Michiko) that a commoner was allowed into the Imperial Family, and though it didn't succeed the movement to allow female succession had a lot of momentum.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Its the hit the nail that sticks out syndrome. There is ONE way, and that is OUR way not yours. And when they ALL stick to it, like the early morning commuters walking around like elephants or intentionally running off your intended path, what do you do. After fighting for several times, several years, you slowly get tired of fighting and give up. That's what's happened with Masako-san. Still probably a brilliant mind, but will NEVER be normal within the circus she has to parade in.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The prince's mother, the first commoner to marry into the royal family, appears to have had her own mental issues as evidenced by losing her voice for several months at a time (more than once). No doubt the dullness of the daily court routine as well as the strictures of imperial tradition, which neither woman grew up in, have something to do with it.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I really do not understand why so many people pity her life. I dont care if she refused 6 times, she finally accepted. She could not have imagined a life too much different from the one she is having now when she said yes. She is in a position to fight for the changes she thinks are correct, but she just do nothing. THAT is a pity...

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Boo hoo. She can swap with me and work everyday only to have to spend most of the earned money on taxes and bills and eat extremely cheaply. I'll take the dining at expensive restaurants and not having to worry about making ends meet. I don't care if some royal handlers follow me around.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I feel very, very sorry fro Crown Princess Masako. Reading the recent book about her which was written by the Australian guy was an eye-opener. I hope she doesnt end up like the late Princess Diana. She gave up a fulfilling and exciting life to marry into an institution which is from the Dark Ages, and will never change. As long as she remains in the Imperial Household, where she is subjected to daily bullying, there is no hope for her. In addition, Japan`s so-called "Mental Health experts" are an international joke. The answer is to drug people with mental problems, so that they dont cause "meiwaku" (nuisance) to other people. No thought of what it does to the patient who is suffering. her mother in law has also suffered bullying from the same members of the Household - so what hope is there for Masako Sama? I applaud the efforts of the Crown Prince for defending his wife, whom he obviously loves very much. It must be very frustrating for him, too, because he has no real power to stand up to the mindless, brain dead bullies.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Being surrounded by happy people can have a positive effect on ones spirits. When we feel a little better; our happy hormones begin to circulate throughout our body. When we can attain a harmonious balance with mind and heart; our body feels a little better. Laughter is a good medicine. Exercise will help kick in the happy feeling endorphines. Sometimes a coach or a mentor or even a best friend can help lift up your confidence and your spirits. Shakespere used to write that his audience would notice more the thorn than the rose. The world public can be harshly critical for the rabble of the world do not understand. Some people get high off the pain of others. I pray for a spiritual blessing to lift the dark cloud for Princess Masakos recovery. Let the sun shine sunny for Princess Masako.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Terribly sad situation and it would be great to see some people with influence do something about the IHA. There would be no negatives at all about the Royals having more freedom. I respect and admire them. Instead of a cabinet reshuffle they need to dissolve the IHA, and bring in a whole new system. In fact, I think they need some gaijin in the IHA!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Well, I think she's great and I feel her pain. So if you are reading this Princess, here's a tribute lyric from Radiohead:

When you were here before Couldn't look you in the eye You're just like an angel Your skin makes me cry You float like a feather In a beautiful world And I wish I was special You're so very special...

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Japan missed a golden opportunity to have a "Princess Diana" type with her.

That's probably pretty true. I think people need to stop blaming the royal family itself and look at the real culprit, the Imperial Household Agency. Archaic though it might be the Japanese Imperial Family is symbolic of the continuity of the Japanese state, as well as the embodiment of Japanese culture and Shintoism. It's not so much the Imperial family that needs reform as the IHA. At least the Imperial family is respectable though, no Prince Harry or any other number of playboy royals. I hope that with Hisahito's wife there will be change.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

RepublicofTexas

It wasn't an arranged marriage, the two probably genuinely love each other.

To piggy back on "mindovermatter" and "wanderlust" I have read that she declined his proposals SIX times before "agreeing" to marry him. The man seems like a perfectly kind man, but this woman obviously knew early on that this is what would happen to her if she married the guy and I blame his parents and even more I blame those DAMN Imperial Household handlers. I would have no trouble believing that her father's career was threatened (or her potential one) if she didn't finally give in and marry the guy...

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I guess I still don't quite get it. If she is royalty, then why not just tell the IHA to "pack sand" sometimes and do what she wants in terms of seeing her family and friends. If the IHA doesn't like it, then I would say they need to get a new job. If they try to push her out, I think that there would be popular opposition to that.

Japan missed a golden opportunity to have a "Princess Diana" type with her. Who would have been a better person for Japan to trot out to extol the "uniqueness of the Yamato race" than she. Articulate, and good looking (much better than Diana I think) Japan would have been able to reap a gold mine in terms of Public Relations. I bet she would have been able to put a happy face on the whole whaling issue.

But, I think the IHA screwed it on this one. I feel sorry for her.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Of course, if it's a sacrifice she could apply divorce isnt it?, and finally recover a normal life... anywhere.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The Emperors and Empresses are supposed to be gods and goddesses--constantly playing their roles for the benefit of the Japanese nation. Always giving, never receiving except in a ceremonial sense, like the shrine gods, in front of whom we bring the finest gifts, then take them away and consume them ourselves, because the gods, after all, cannot eat. That's a lot to ask of a human being. The boys are brought up under such circumstances and accept them with equanimity, believing the fate of their nation rests on their shoulders (and there is reason to consider the Emperor a stabilizing force in Japan). For two generations, however, the girls have come into this from the outside, so they know freedom. They have proceeded with a sense of duty and the importance of their role, understanding intellectually what that will entail. It strikes me a lot like committing suicide for the greater good. Japan has its own glorified Guantanamo for all the world to gawk at.

Dear Masako needs our loving words recognizing her enormous sacrifice. That may be the only thing that can reach her.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Of course depressed about doing nothing everyday... I can't understand how much depressed she is, if some magazines says that sometimes she is enjoying having dinner in some expensive restaurants. this is her treatment. Oh please... she only need two things to "recover" her emotional condition; have sex and get a job, because for someone who studied at university and had a succesful career for sure it would be really depressing change her life and turn in a puppet of an useless "royal" family.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

lets face she was forced into this whole mess

0 ( +0 / -0 )

'heir' sorry...

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Her family pressured her to get married, she refused at least twice. They needed respectability after their involvement in Minamata disease, her grandfather was a director of Chissho, the responsible company.

Best medical services money can buy - probably - but the best of archaic mental health services is not really much. Anyone with first hand knowledge of these knows how primitive they are. Even the Japanese drug companies that research, develop and market psychiatric drugs are ashamed to take foreign specialists around the Japanese hospitals and clinics...

0 ( +0 / -0 )

noborito, she was promised a role using her diplomatic experience. When she didn't get pregnant right away,and especially after the miscarriage, the Imperial Household Agency forbade her to go on any more trips overseas until an heir was born. Then she had a girl.'Oh no, no male hier!' Can't you see the pressure she's been under?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Yep, the headline should read, "Princess Masako, who is suffering from a husband-induced form of depression."

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Princess Masako, who is suffering from a stress-induced form of depression

The problem is that she never really wanted to marry this guy in the first place, but after years and years of proposals (6 or 7 years literally) from this prince and family pressure, she buckled under and said yes....

Now she's stuck...

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Japan's mental health services are archaic at best. My guess is her "treatment" would serve her better in a number of other countries other than Japan.

She's the Crown Princess of Japan, she probably has the best medical services money can buy.

since when do the "royals" care about her?

Of course the royal family cares about her she married Prince Naruhito. It wasn't an arranged marriage, the two probably genuinely love each other.

However, the Japanese Imperial Household does need reform it's too constricting. I'm all for the preservation of the ancient Shinto rituals they have to perform, but I think they should be able to have a little more free time. But isn't it nice to have an Imperial family that acts with decorum that would never be seen in the royal families of Britain or Monaco.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

If she doesnt get outta there soon I suspect her "" life "" will be a short one, this incredibly sad situation, I hope J-women dont forget what they have done to her, new princes are probably bachelors for here on

0 ( +0 / -0 )

It's obvious that Princess Masako is desperately unhappy because she has not been able to adjust to the suffocating life of a Japanese princess. The only cure is for her to leave her environment. Adjustment disorder (athealth.com): The conditions associated with adjustment disorder develop within three months of the beginning of the stressful problem. An adjustment disorder usually lasts no longer than three to six months. The condition may persist, however, if an individual is suffering from chronic stress such as that caused by an illness, a difficult relationship, or worsening financial problems.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

To compare the Japanese Imperial family with others is probably not relevant. I think the degree to which the locals are controlled by their minders is beyond comparison. It was only the current Emporer's father who did away with the practice of somebody else accompanying royals to the toilet (the results used to be collected for analysis by imperial flunkies).

I see Her Imperial Highness (let's be proper) as a very tragic figure, plucked from an elite job and sacrificed by her parents for the "national good." Luckly, however, the Crown Prince seems to be a rather good chap, who cares for his wife. Both he and her were expected to "get it on" and deliver a royal heir ASAP, which unfortunatley did not happen. Moreover, the line of succession has since been rerouted through the Crown Prince's younger brother. This is all a bit like a Shakespearan tradegy. In this case, I think the depression is real, along with the pressure that comes from the structure that is the Imperial Household Agency, and its faceless mandarins.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

medievaltimes people use the cop out all the time. O... depression... Everyone gets depressed. Only a small percentage of people need REAL treatment. The others are just complaining and frankly tiring to be around. Call me heartless but people should stop complaining and do something about it. Even she could do something if she wanted. Yes she's royalty. But, she choice this life. Deal with it or change it.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

"those around her" are the ones to blame for her kookiness

0 ( +0 / -0 )

“I would like the public to understand that Masako is continuing to make her utmost efforts with the help of those around her,”

since when do the "royals" care about her?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Yeah tough call. Did Naruhito get himself a dud? Or is living with the royal minders like living with your mother but ten times more intrusive and depressing...

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Not to mention... the REASON behind the adjustment disorder. Royalty is NOT a pleasant thing when you have handlers like the royals here in Japan do. They can't go anywhere, do anything, see anybody, have visitors (friends and even family), etc.. without the handlers approving it. And approvals are based on what is good for the appearance of the royal family, not the desires of it. And the handlers could care less about the royals feelings about anything.

If little boys and girls knew how it really was, the fantasy of growing up to be a princess or prince would be something you would never see.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

sad what people will do for a slice of the 'good life'. she made a mistake

0 ( +0 / -0 )

what happened to common sense approach to depression.... self-important family. depressed, get out. go do something. change your life if you are not happy. now stop wining about it and do something about it.

noborito - No offense but you are uneducated about this issue and dont know what you are talking about. If the answer to a mental illness was simply "get out, go do something, change your life" there would be no mental illness. There is a biological aspect of mental illness.

Japan's mental health services are archaic at best. My guess is her "treatment" would serve her better in a number of other countries other than Japan.

Sad story.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

“Please continue to watch over her kindly and over the long-term,” Naruhito said.

Does it mean 'adjustment disorder' is incurable ailment? I think people will definitely show genuine understanding once they hear from medical experts.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

She had a very good job. She is a very intelligent, well-educated woman. As the crown princess she is not able to just "get a job" or "get out and go do something". I think you should check what actually happened to her. It's very sad.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

o boo hoo. stress-induced form of depression, get a job! what happened to common sense approach to depression.... self-important family. depressed, get out. go do something. change your life if you are not happy. now stop wining about it and do something about it.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites