Crown prince says royal visits key to friendly ties

Masako, a Harvard-educated former diplomat, still has ups and downs and it would be difficult for her to immediately increase her official duties, Naruhito said.

What I for one would REALLY like to see is the Crown Prince stand up to the IHA and fight for reforms that improve the lives of ALL the royal family!

These "ups and downs" that both the Empress and Princess had are directly due to the extreme pressures that the IHA puts on them!

Not sure I entirely agree.  Visits to Europe and Americas not controversial as relations with those countries anyway ok.  But sending Imperial family to Asian and SE Asian countries often raises the old spectre of Japanese imperialism.

A visit to China perhaps would be good.

Well, he has to say that just to stay relevant.

When a countries figure head is stopped from expressing their emotions, thoughts, then we are dealing with a draconian regime. I hope wonce he takes the mantel of King he works towards the disbandment of the imperial agency. Too late to save his wife but his children's future. The last court official was replaced after the Emperors video. It's not fair at all. Remove their status or remove their bindings

I hope wonce he takes the mantel of King

> What I for one would REALLY like to see is the Crown Prince stand up to the IHA and fight for reforms that improve the lives of ALL the royal family

The thing is that emperor doesn't have the power to change anything, he's a symbol of Japan, banned to influence government's decisions or law.

It is sad but him stepping up to try changing the country will not work.

I know I will get down voted but hey, just stating the obvious. If we get a powerful prime minister with a sensible head, then I'd see a light at the end of tunnel, but that would be a very long tunnel.

The thing is that emperor doesn't have the power to change anything, he's a symbol of Japan, banned to influence government's decisions or law.

but, disbanding the royal establishment and diverting the budget to education and welfare of the citizens would be much much more beneficial..., seriously its 2018... can we be done with "royalty" whatever that means today anyway

Figurehead with no power.  But has a role in maintaining historical legacy.

"I believe her experience of having lived overseas and worked in diplomacy will definitely help," he said.

Seems like a lifetime ago. 'They' completely destroyed her self-esteem.

What Yubaru said.

but, disbanding the royal establishment and diverting the budget to education and welfare of the citizens would be much much more beneficial..., seriously its 2018

Alex - agree completely, it would be excellent if the money could be used for education, welfare, and other meaningful things, but changing the law cannot be done by the emperor... it would take one very strong prime minister...  sadly, emperor doesn't have any power even though it is 2018..

It is sad but him stepping up to try changing the country will not work.

I never suggested nor inferred that either. My hope is that he can change the IHA, and relieve the pressure that "outsiders" face when joining (marrying into) the royal family.

Both the current Empress and Crown Princess have been through debilitating bouts of depression and only lord knows what else because of bullying and pressure from within the IHA and the royal family itself.

The current Empress was bullied by the Dowager Empress for many years.