Japan's reclusive and troubled Crown Princess Masako said Tuesday that her health is improving and she is feeling more able to take part in social activities.
Her father-in-law, Emperor Akihito, is also suffering from stress and inflammation of the stomach, the Imperial Household Agency said Tuesday. Akihito, who turns 75 later this month, had surgery for prostate cancer in 2003.
Masako, who married Crown Prince Naruhito in 1993, has skipped much of her duties in the last five years, mostly because of stress-related symptoms and mental depression. "My performance still is not at its best, but I'm beginning to feel I'm now able to do more things, little by little," she said in a statement for her 45th birthday on Tuesday.
Royal doctors said Masako has made "steady progress" over the last two years, and is starting to resume public appearances, including welcoming Spanish King Juan Carlos and his wife, Queen Sofia, last month — her first participation in an official event in five years.
"The biggest reason for her condition is that she has unpredictable ups and downs in her physical and mental condition," the doctors said in a statement Tuesday.
Though she was reportedly feeling better mentally, the Imperial Household Agency said Masako canceled meetings Tuesday with the Emperor and the Empress, as well as palace officials, because of a fever and sore throat associated with a cold. © GPD AP
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