Crown Prince Naruhito poses for a photo with Crown Princess Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko at Togu Palace in Tokyo. Naruhito celebrated his 57th birthday on Thursday. In a statement released by the Imperial Household Agency, the crown prince expressed his readiness to ascend the throne as Emperor Akihito is expected to abdicate, possibly next year. As for what an emperor's role should be, the prince said, "It's important for an emperor to keep asking himself what the symbol of the state should be, while giving profound consideration to the Constitution which stipulates that an emperor is the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people of Japan, and to wish for the happiness of the people while sharing joys and sorrows with them." The crown prince also expressed concern for his parents' well-being, now that they are in their 80s, and said he hoped they would have more time to spend for themselves. See related story here.
© Japan TodayCrown prince turns 57
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33 Comments
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DNALeri
@proxy I guess they are trying to convey the image of being frugal with taxpayers' money. No obvious brand clothes and all that. Which I think is a good thing.
B.l. Sharma
Happy Birthday greetings to Crown Prince Naruhito from all Indian friends and well-wishers of Japan on his 57th Birthday.
sensei258
Never mind all that...Why do they always do their pictures in front of a peg board wall?
proxy
They need to shop at a better store and ditch the ¥5000 coffee table. The tableau looks a lot like I imagine 1953 did.
tmarie
What happened to he dog???
Daniel Naumoff
I am sure I have seen the very same picture the last time.
JeffLee
My parents used to have wall paneling like that in their basement rumpus room back in the 60s.
Kurobune
@Patrick Hattman - Despite all the thumbs down, you are EXACTLY right about Crown Princess Masako. She would do this country proud ! I disagree with you about her husband, Crown Prince Naruhito. He is well informed and will perform his role (Emperor) well when he takes the throne.
bass4funk
Stress or maybe she had personal emotional problems about her weight? We just don't know what she's feeling at this young age. Some girls worry about school, weight, beauty, relationships around this time. Hope she's ok.
GW
ThunderB,
Thanks for that link, the back grounds in the pics are all pretty much identical........
Brian Wheway
Ive just googled Aiko san, Ive been looking at last years pictures, wow she has changed a lot. I am no doctor but something is wrong here. but her mum is very elegant and regal looking. I am sorry to say but the CPN could have made a bit more of an effort on his style of clothing.
Dango bong
Looking good for 57, then again no heavy lifting or work in 57 years might be the key!
Boy Next Door
That poor princess is definitely not in good shape. She should eat and rest more.
itsonlyrocknroll
Crown Prince Naruhito words indicate a natural understanding of what duty actually means, a future Emperor a nation can be proud of. Whatever is troubling Princess Aiko, I wish a stead recovery soon.
smithinjapan
Other media were showing a comparative, almost profile shot of Aiko, and she looks very emaciated. I hope she can get the help she needs for living that life (or can get out of it), but knowing the IHA they would probably rather she suffer in silence than any idea of weakness or treatment be known to the public.
papigiulio
Thanks for the photo comparison. While 3 years is a reasonable time to lose this amount of weight she looks waaaaay too skinny to be healthy right now, I hope she will get well soon and not suffer like her mom.
itsonlyrocknroll
Many happy returns of the day.
Thunderbird
such a change in only 3 years... http://www.yuko2ch.net/mako/makok/src/1480552854488.jpg
dcog9065
That's a huge amount of lost weight compared to before for Aiko.. I assume it must be stress related..
tmarie
Wow. That is a huge change in weight so quickly for Aiko. I hope she is getting the support she needs to deal with whatever it is she is suffering from.
goldorak
Bet he got the v neck jumper for his birthday!
Tessa
Is she really only 15? She looks 35. Poor child.
Thunderbird
if I was a japanese royal I would have Kobe beef BBQ everyday. Just hope Aiko-san gets better, she seems even weaker than last year
towingtheline
These staged 'family' photos always appear cold and emotionless. Guess with have the oyajis at the IHA to thank for that? Also... surely there has to be a better backdrop for these photos instead of the usual bland pegboard wall?
Patrick Hattman
Princess Masako is a beautiful, intelligent woman who was on her way to a very successful career in the Foreign Ministry.
Her husband, on the other hand, has always struck me as a nondescript little man.
It's a shame that she won't be Empress someday with the prince in the background; similar to Queen Elizabeth reigning and Prince Philip playing second fiddle.
Mike L
Wow, Aiko isn't looking well
I have taught a few girls who have undergone rapid weight loss. Very worrying to see her looking so frail.
noypikantoku
Aiko doesn't look so healthy, I hope she's fine
Strangerland
They were on the news this morning. I'm worried for Aiko.
smithinjapan
Perhaps this will be a holiday next year.
Maria
That's a nice family photo.
The kid seems to have lost weight since her temporary absence from school was reported last year.
BaltanSeijin84
Somebody give that poor girl a box of Krispy Kreme donuts right away.
Aly Rustom
lovely family. wishing them the best
noypikantoku
Whhoaaa what happened to princess Aiko! she suddenly looked very different now...