Happy 60th birthday to Her Imperial Highness Empress Masako of Japan!
As the empress turns 60, she has spent half of her life as a member of the Japanese Imperial Family.
She was born on December 9, 1963, and grew up in the United States due to her father's career in the foreign office. She was trained to become a diplomat but gave up the opportunity when she became Japan's Crown Princess in June 1993 upon marrying Crown Prince Naruhito.
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| Empress Masako of Japan turns 60. Photo credit: Imperial Household of Japan |
On the occasion of her 60th birthday, Empress Masako reflected on her role as the country's empress consort for over four years now and expressed her willingness to continue "walking toward the future".
She also expressed her renewed hope for a better world and her deep gratitude towards everyone, for the hospitality and affection she received from the public during official events.
She lamented the many lives lost during calamities and wars, especially children. She expressed hope that wars around the world will end soon, stressing the importance of “understanding and respecting others through dialogue to build a peaceful world.”
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Empress Masako with Emperor Naruhito and their only child, Princess Aiko. Photo credit: Imperial Household of Japan |
The Empress expressed hope that she will be able to take a step forward with a fresh mindset and continue to make efforts for years to come.
She also expressed gratitude to those who have worked hard to save people's lives from the coronavirus pandemic. The Empress said their efforts have paid off, and the situation is gradually calming down.
She said she is relieved to see cities and towns bouncing back, and many people gradually returning to their normal lives. But she also said she is concerned about many others who are still facing difficulties.
The Imperial Household Agency of Japan shares a video of the imperial family - Empress Naruhito, Empress Masako, and their only child, Princess Aiko, to mark the empress's 60th birthday.
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| Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and Princess Aiko. Photo credit: Imperial Household of Japan |
The intriguing life of Empress Masako
In the present world, she is the only woman who is carrying the title of "empress" officially. But the world rarely catches a glimpse of her as she rarely takes public duty except when she accompanies her husband, Emperor Naruhito.
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| The emperor and the empress. Photo credit: Imperial Household Agency |
In 2003, two years after giving birth to her only child, and 10 years after joining the imperial family, the former Masako Owada "disappeared" from the public eye as she withdrew from public duty.
The reason was her "delicate mental health" after suffering from chronic anxiety. She was diagnosed with "adjustment disorder", a stress-related disorder for her inability to cope with the pressure of public life.
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| Empress Masako of Japan turns 60. Photo credit: Imperial Household of Japan |
She slowly got back on her feet and resumed public duty in 2019 when her husband, now Emperor Naruhito, ascended to the Japanese throne.
Her first overseas appearance as an empress was in September 2022 in London, at the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. Despite public concerns about her health, the empress proved she slowly regained physical strength and stability and was ready to stand beside her husband at public events.
The empress continued to fulfill her public duty by accompanying Emperor Naruhito on public appearances in Japan and welcoming foreign dignitaries.
Wishing Empress Masako a full health recovery. Happy birthday!
Related article: Get to know more about Empress Masako of Japan
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