Empress celebrates 56th birthday

how would anyone like to have doctors comment on one's own mental health to the whole world, as if one was not in the room? how patronizing can this journalism be?

Is it not the job of the emperor to bring some happiness and joy to his wife, I would think so, maybe if he abdication the throne and they live the life of common Japanese, nobody want a joyless marriage

Happy birthday! Looking elegant as always!

Birthdays are occasions to celebrate the gift of life. A very happy birthday to Empress Masako. Ad multos annos.

HAPPY SUPER BIRTHDAY TO U & hope that U get better in health.

Happy birthday Empress Masako

Happy Birthday Empress Masako!

And happy birthday ! 57 beat the bad 6 karma !

Happy birthday to her. I remember how vibrant she was before her (forced) marriage. They damned near wrecked this woman's life but it looks like she is hanging in there.

Tanjobi omedetou gozaimasu.

Great birthday pictures!

Sad, sad Masako. If only she could have said no all those years ago, how different her life would have been. And her poor daughter's life too.

I sincerely hope that as Empress she will be able to put her full potential to use.

Most people in Japan are under stress, some handle it better than others, some are on medication some are unmedicated, some show daily signs of mental stress others hide better. Some are more privileged than others. Happy Birthday BTW.

It a Japanese born Senator named Maize Hirono,she under no stress ,causing stress to Republican Google Maize Hirono

Happy birthday to the Empress,and let's hope that the people at the helm of Japan will listen by heart to the messages of peace that the Emperor and the Empress are always giving to the world.

Congratulations! You look barely a day older than 55.

Firstly I would like to say that I respect the Japanese imperial house hold, and I wish them all of the best health. But, I wish that they would improve their decor, its just not fit! we all know about the peg board walls, but it looks like that there is a picture of cabbage, or wasabi on the wall, what a strange thing to display, very odd. I am sure there would be an interior designer or students who could knock up something better.

@sensei258 The puppet masters, media and general public weren't about to fault Naruhito. Lessons from biology class goes out the window.

Are they going to throw her a party with tax money?

What is it going to be for birthday party dinner?? Caviar??

Many Happy Returns dear lady.

Please come and visit us again in New Zealand.

We would love to see you again.

You have our personnel invitation.

Just tell Abe San Sean & Risa invied you.

A very Happy Birthday, Empress Masako! We wish you a long, happy life.

Oh, I nearly forgot! Happy Birthday, Empress Masako!

Agreed. Hope she is able to find more and more outlet for her abundant natural talents.

Wonderful images.

I wish Empress Masako well.

Would have loved to see her serve Japan the best as a diplomat, and perhaps become Japan's first female foreign minister, oh well.

Poor lady. Had so much potential before getting married.

Having said that, she looked like a real Empress throughout the enthronement ceremonies. I hope she continues to handle the pressure well.

But the sex of a child is determined by the father, so why should she be under pressure to produce a male child?

Poor woman, during her prime years she was under intense stress to give birth to a boy and I'm sure everyone around her let her know about it on a daily basis which I'm sure is the direct result of her health problems.

Golden pillows a nice touch to the pegboard room. An improvement already. Go Masako!