Turning 56, Empress Masako thanked the Japanese people for the warm support during the enthronement process and pledged to give her best in supporting her husband, Emperor Naruhito, while recovering from her illness. (Image via Japan Today)

Empress Masako celebrates 56th birthday

Alfonsus Adi Putra
Politics & Economic
News Flash Japan
Dec 09, 2019
1964
On Monday, Empress Masako turned 56. On the august occasion, the Empress stated her gratitude for all the supports that the Japanese people had shown during the enthronement ceremony and parade of Emperor Naruhito and vowed that she will do her best for the happiness of the Japanese people.

Through a palace statement written by the Empress and released by Imperial Household Agency, the Empress thanked the “unexpectedly” warm welcome by the Japanese people during the enthronement.

The Empress referred to the enthronement as an event that “supports her as she moves forward”. Thus, the Empress also pledged to keep up the good work to support and assist her husband as the symbol of the state to bring more happiness for Japan.

Moreover, in the statement, the Empress also addressed the victims of the series of powerful typhoons that befell Japan in recent months. Empress Masako wished a smooth reconstruction and an “easy living” for the Japanese people affected by the natural disaster.

Emperor Naruhito ascended to the Chrysanthemum Throne on 1 May, succeeding his father, Emperor Emeritus Akihito, who abdicated from the throne in April 2019. On 22 October, Emperor Naruhito was formally and ritually enthroned as the Emperor of Japan. The event was attended by the leaders of the countries around the world.

ADJUSTMENT DISORDER RECOVERY

In the statement, Empress Masako also slipped a hint that she asked the Japanese people to keep praying for her health in supporting her husband’s duty as the Emperor of Japan.

A Harvard and Oxford graduate, Empress Masako was diagnosed with stress-induced adjustment disorder since December 2003. Due to the circumstance, the Empress was often absent from public appearance.

Moreover, her condition got even worse after delivering the only child Princess Aiko, causing more pressure on her as the Throne requires only male successor.

Fortunately, during the lengthy enthronement process from April to December, the Empress looked healthy and showed signs of recovery from the psychological illness. When Empress Masako began to embrace her role, it boosted her self-confidence which is a good thing.

Moreover, warm welcome from the Japanese people during the enthronement process also contributed to her recovery.

In a separate statement released by the Imperial Household Agency, her doctors applauded her recovery. However, they also warned the Japanese people not to burden the Empress with high expectations as it would only make her condition worsened. Furthermore, the Empress still requires treatments.

The doctors pointed out that a strong sense of responsibility was what drove the Empress to the finish line, not the recovery. Repeatedly, the doctors also called for the Japanese to warmly support the Empress during her recovery.

But, what kind of expectation do the Japanese have for the royal couple? They wish that Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako could “internationalize” the imperial household. Looking at how fluent the royal couple when having “non-interpreted” conversations with all the state leaders during the state visits and enthronement ceremony, the Japanese put their hope for it.

Source: https://bit.ly/2sZSyNB

Politics , Birthday , Imperial , Asia , Japan , Empress-Masako , Psychology , Illness , Disorder , Adjustment-Disorder , Recovery , Emperor-Naruhito , Enthronement