Empress Masako turns 57

Thank you and happy greeting. Please take care yourself and take care of the people in Japan during this time.

I wish her well. Poor woman. The life she had planned for was forced away from her.

Royal family has not place in this modern world ... all they do is burden the coffers.

Im sure my comments will ruffle many feathers.

@jojo_in_japan

Not from me. I agree 100%.

Cool. I don't think 57 is significant in any way. See you next year then.

Happy birthday! I've always liked her, and feel sorry that she's trapped in that gilded cage.

And forced to be photographed in front of that horrible pegboard.

She wasn't forced into a royal marriage, quit it with the made up Disney sob-story. She could've said no and become a miner in Chile if she'd wanted.

Royal family has not place in this modern world ... all they do is burden the coffers.

*Depends on country. There is a reason people spends $$ to see their abandoned houses.

Good luck to her. I hope she is happy.

Otanjyobi Omedetou Gozaimasu Empress Masako!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Empress Masako.

jojo_in_japanToday  09:32 am JST

Royal family has not place in this modern world ... all they do is burden the coffers.

I feel the same way. Recall what the Sex Pistols and Motorhead said. My sentiments too.

Life is a precious gift. Happy birthday to Empress Masako.

Her doctors said in a separate statement that she has shown signs of improvement but still requires treatment. They also asked for public understanding, saying that excessive expectations could adversely affect her recovery.

The empress said she has tried to fulfill her duties as much as possible while taking into consideration her health. "I would like to make further efforts to recover in order to support the emperor and fulfill my role as empress," she added.

No need to explain, you have all the time in the world. Happy Birthday,

Kniknaknokkaer ... I'm loving, "The Crown"

3rd largest economy in the world and they still persist with that cheap pegboard as a background? Isn't this an insult to the thousands of years of Japanese artistry? I think I will die and this pegboard will still be in place. Thank you, Kunaisho cheapies.

I respect Masako and she is an incredibly smart woman but I think Michelle Obama said it best maybe like 10 years ago... she’s bound to the crown by marriage and her voice has been stifled and that is a waste of a beautiful mind and talent.

Happy birthday Empress Masako

Empress Masako, is an inspiration, we all suffer, time to time, doubt to our future and role in life.

Patience, stepping back so not forcing ourselves to change when change is not required.

Happy super birthday to u. I trust that u will fight for female rights.

What a sad life. I remember Masako Kogosama as a young, vivacious student. I sent a birthday card: It was returned "addressee unknown." By the way, Empress Masako is the same age as Michelle Obama.

jojo_in_japan:

Royal family has not place in this modern world... 

On the contrary, we have royal families in modern world:

Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, Belgium, Denmark, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherland, Norway, Spain, etd.

It just has a different role that is cultural, not political.

@socrateos, I hate to call you on that, but Australia, Canada and New Zealand DO NOT have a royal family. We have a titular head of state - QE2. and her representatives. But she and her family are not OUR 'royal family'. As for the other countries you've named, that's their choice. The only reason the monarch of the UK is the 'head of state' for Canada, Australia and New Zealand is nothing but historical paperwork.