Divorce rumours for Princess Masako ?

[Cassy]

my wish is only for masako's health and happiness

[Vanesa]

This is pretty obvious. I don't think that any erson with heart inside her/his chest would wish that someone will be depressed and ill...

But, as we was discussing these last days, Princess Masako seems to be improving very quickly. She is wearing a new haircut that makes her more young and beatiful...And of course, she seems happy. I hope that all these "divorce rumors" could be only what I think they really are: gossip.

Vanesa.

[mysunshine]

Monica17
Is Masako really scorned and criticized in Japan? Then that's not going to help her recover, will it? Do the Japanese think that Masako's illness is partly caused by her "reluctance" to conform to palace life and that she is "neglecting" her duties by "insisting" to be a modern woman? No wonder the divorce rumors never stop....some - if not many- people are out to get her out of the picture.

I think the situation is better and improving, with your pussing attention. And it is really true that she is "neglecting" her duties by "insisting" to be a modern woman. Very historically, it must be a brave and an exceptional trial! Many and many thanks, mysunshine

[lyndaW]

Of all the Modern Royals my heart goes out to Masako the most....she could have done so much for Japan if only "they" had let her be her charming self. A lot of it could have been fear that the men in grey would lose control and would be seen as what they are and be "removed". It doesn't seem to matter that the World has watched and nothing has been changed.

[Thomas Parkman]

Dear Members,

May I remind you that the present arrangements were put in place by the
United Nations (ie US) occupation of Japan after the horrendous World War II. the constitution and the line of succession were put in place by that agency of occupation. As Hirohito was most certainly an architect if not THE Architect of the whole fiasco of Japan's involvement in WWII the constitution was so structured so the
Emperor would never have that ability or that capacity to influence events to that degree again. So Imperial Household Agency is a very conservative insitution. Further, whether one agrees with it or not the line of succession in Japan is through male primogenture. Which means that Naurihito's brother and son are in the direct line of succession.
Moreoever, and however disagreeable it might be and is, the primary responsibility in marriage at this level of royalty is the succession. The Imperial Dynasty descended through the ages must at all cost continue.

Hence, Masako's tragedy. And it is very sad indeed. But like all true Greek tragedy, inevitable.

[COUNTESS]

You are most correct and that is the really sad part. This "position" of Princess Masako is so limited, that any human body that could reproduce would have done. The Prince loves her, they seemed personally happy with their child. Masako was very educated, bright and outgoing. I think she thought things could change. What a pity.

[Vanesa]

Nothing is inevitable but death. I think that it is reasonable that a change could be done, it should be done. Of course, it's Japanese people who must decide not us.

If a thing is ridicoulous, you may be sure it will not stand for ever. It will ends as all things ends.

I do not see any "Greek Tragedy" going on here. Princess Masako's smiling face is not the one of a person going through a "Greek Tragedy". She certainly will be the Empress a day to come. The only thing it could happen is that her daughter would not be Empress herself. (And we never knows...Hope is always there and if it is salutary that Consitution would be changed, it will be. So, Princess Aiko will be an Empress) and that the new Emperor will bear the name of Prince Isahito.

No "tragedy". A simple fact. A simple fact that could change or not as almost everything in life.

Vanesa.

[mysunshine]

Concerning with Greek tragedy, perhaps, it will be a big difference between to see and to live there. Within herself, I feel some Sophocles, so-called purest artist, who has led what should be solved or how must person conduct oneself, rather than a drop of tears.

She charms and gives us, perhaps, a sort of ease, comfort, healing and expectation among petit solid family.

mysunshine

[principessa]

I don't hope that the rumours are true. That would break Crown Princess Masakos life and her soul.

[Al_bina]

My husband’s grandmother is Japanese, who watches NHK (the national Japanese channel). I asked her to explain the situation with Crown Princess Masako from the Japanese perspective. She told me that it was Crown Princess’s imperative duty is to secure the bloodline. No one would sympathize with her because she did not try hard enough. All attempts of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to change the laws related to the succession line were doomed to fail because Japan strictly adheres to certain traditions. Additionally, there is the almighty IHA. In my view, the IHA should leave the Crown Princess Masako be and stop nagging life out of her since the Agency has succeeded in “saving the throne”.
As for Mr. Koizumi, I have read an article in the Russian newspaper describing him as a real samurai. The flashy and rebellious PM Koizumi, who attempted to introduce reforms to succession rules, remained true to traditions, when it came to his personal life.
Wikipedia (n.d) has reflected the above in the following segment.


"Koizumi married 21-year-old university student Kayoko Miyamoto in 1978 under the omiai custom. The ceremony at the Tokyo Prince Hotel was attended by about 2,500 people, including Fukuda (then Prime Minister), and featured a wedding cake shaped like the National Diet Building.
The marriage ended in divorce in 1982. Kayoko was unhappy with her lifestyle and Koizumi did not see Kayoko as a viable political wife. After this divorce, Koizumi never married again, saying that divorce consumed ten times more energy than marriage. Two of his three sons (Kotaro Koizumi and Shinjiro Koizumi) were kept in Koizumi's custody and raised by one of Koizumi's sisters. Although Kayoko claims that she was to be allowed to see her two sons once they reach the age of 16, this did not happen and she has not been able to see them since the divorce. The youngest, Yoshinaga Miyamoto, a student at Keio University, was born following the divorce and has never met Koizumi. This third son is known to have attended one of Koizumi's rallies, but was also turned away when trying to meet his father by attending his grandmother's funeral".

[Vanesa]

Originally Posted by Al_bina

My husband’s grandmother is Japanese, who watches NHK (the national Japanese channel). I asked her to explain the situation with Crown Princess Masako from the Japanese perspective. She told me that it was Crown Princess’s imperative duty is to secure the bloodline. No one would sympathize with her because she did not try hard enough. All attempts of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to change the laws related to the succession line were doomed to fail because Japan strictly adheres to certain traditions. Additionally, there is the almighty IHA. In my view, the IHA should leave the Crown Princess Masako be and stop nagging life out of her since the Agency has succeeded in “saving the throne”.
As for Mr. Koizumi, I have read an article in the Russian newspaper describing him as a real samurai. The flashy and rebellious PM Koizumi, who attempted to introduce reforms to succession rules, remained true to traditions, when it came to his personal life.
Wikipedia (n.d) has reflected the above in the following segment.

"Koizumi married 21-year-old university student Kayoko Miyamoto in 1978 under the omiai custom. The ceremony at the Tokyo Prince Hotel was attended by about 2,500 people, including Fukuda (then Prime Minister), and featured a wedding cake shaped like the National Diet Building.
The marriage ended in divorce in 1982. Kayoko was unhappy with her lifestyle and Koizumi did not see Kayoko as a viable political wife. After this divorce, Koizumi never married again, saying that divorce consumed ten times more energy than marriage. Two of his three sons (Kotaro Koizumi and Shinjiro Koizumi) were kept in Koizumi's custody and raised by one of Koizumi's sisters. Although Kayoko claims that she was to be allowed to see her two sons once they reach the age of 16, this did not happen and she has not been able to see them since the divorce. The youngest, Yoshinaga Miyamoto, a student at Keio University, was born following the divorce and has never met Koizumi. This third son is known to have attended one of Koizumi's rallies, but was also turned away when trying to meet his father by attending his grandmother's funeral".

Thank you for your interesant insight in the Japanese view of the issue. No way of what WE thinks about the matter and what we thinks it will be good to change or to keep. And since I was always against foreing participation into other countries affairs, I think we must to accept what japanese people should like about their Imperial House...even if we are against it. I could not like how my neighbors are living, but I have NO RIGHT to enter there and force them to live as I like..as well as they have no right to force me to live the way they are used to, for me is me and them and them. Sad? I don't know. But in all cases, true.

Oh. by the way Al_bina...I love your avatar!

Vanesa.

[Al_bina]

Originally Posted by Vanesa

Thank you for your interesant insight in the Japanese view of the issue. No way of what WE thinks about the matter and what we thinks it will be good to change or to keep. And since I was always against foreing participation into other countries affairs, I think we must to accept what japanese people should like about their Imperial House...even if we are against it. I could not like how my neighbors are living, but I have NO RIGHT to enter there and force them to live as I like..as well as they have no right to force me to live the way they are used to, for me is me and them and them. Sad? I don't know. But in all cases, true.

Oh. by the way Al_bina...I love your avatar!

Vanesa.

Vanesa,
I have been delighted to get your comments. I love Japanese culture (i.e., cuisine, literature, architecture, art and etc.). However, I do realize that the Japanese are unlikely to bow to pressures of modern development (diversity management, growing number of working women) and change the succession line. The digital century has not changed much in this respect.
The reasons stem from the “superiority” of man over women in the Asian culture, underpinned by values, norms, and traditions. As you probably know, it is extremely important for any Asian family to have a son, who will assume responsibility for taking care of parents later. Daughters will be taking care of their in-laws.
That is why Crown Princess Masako is reminded of her “failure” regularly by the parties concerned. The worst part of the whole situation is divorce-related rumours, which deeply hurts Crown Princess.

[mysunshine]

Originally Posted by Al_bina

My husband’s grandmother is Japanese, who watches NHK (the national Japanese channel). I asked her to explain the situation with Crown Princess Masako from the Japanese perspective. She told me that it was Crown Princess’s imperative duty is to secure the bloodline. No one would sympathize with her because she did not try hard enough. All attempts of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to change the laws related to the succession line were doomed to fail because Japan strictly adheres to certain traditions. Additionally, there is the almighty IHA. In my view, the IHA should leave the Crown Princess Masako be and stop nagging life out of her since the Agency has succeeded in “saving the throne”.
As for Mr. Koizumi, I have read an article in the Russian newspaper describing him as a real samurai.

Dear Al_bina:
Please be patient against my complete opposite opinions,

Your Japanese grandmother-in-law makes common mistakes, in the line of IHA propaganda. CP Masako has already finished and accomplished "her duty" by born Princess Aiko, as a female heir, a future Empress, who has also suitable dignity and blessing in the Book.

Your praising ex-PM Koizumi is at last sinking, of his hitler-like-activities and of his female scandals, then the contents may be re-writed sooner or later..　

[Al_bina]

Originally Posted by mysunshine

Dear Al_bina:
Please be patient against my complete opposite opinions,

Your Japanese grandmother-in-law makes common mistakes, in the line of IHA propaganda. CP Masako has already finished and accomplished "her duty" by born Princess Aiko, as a female heir, a future Empress, who has also suitable dignity and blessing in the Book.

Your praising ex-PM Koizumi is at last sinking, of his hitler-like-activities and of his female scandals, then the contents may be re-writed sooner or later..　

Dear mysunshine,
It has been most kind of you to comment on my post. Your insights are valuable because you live in Japan. In response to you, I would like to note the following.
Firstly, I have not praised PM Koizumi. Please, read my post attentively. I have emphasized the point that Mr. Koizumi rigorously adhered to traditions in spite of being described as innovative, rebellious, etc. and in spite of pushing for reforms of the succession line. The segment from Wikipedia (n.d.) has been submitted to confirm my point. Additionally, I am not aware of any female-related scandals that involved former PM Koizumi because such news is not broadcasted on NHK.
Secondly, there is a male heir in the Imperial Family. So it is highly unlikely for the parties concerned to start reforms related to the throne succession. The power of the IHA should not be underestimated in this case. Is Mr. Taro Aso or any other person selected to be PM willing to give an impetus to this process? I shall be glad to learn more about the wording of this succession law or any steps that would serve as proof of intentions to reform the succession law.
At the same time, I agree with that the course of life is open to changes. It is within a realm of possibility that Princess Aiko may become Crown Princess and then ascend the Chrysanthemum Throne. However, the above developments may come to life only after Crown Prince Naruhito becomes an Emperor and persuades the parties concerned into altering the laws in question.
Let us see what surprises a course of life may bring ….
Thank you,

[Vanesa]

I do not think that respecting the traditions will be a negative trait. For me the traditionalist persons are to be praized, much more than those ones that are always doing new things only to be "original" . And this is not a conception of mine (I'm not so intelligent, I think), but from Chesterton, a writer that I always respected. Maurras, my favorite political phylosophe, shared this opinion too. That's one of the reasons I'm a Monarchist.

Of course, a thing is to be traditionalist and another is to be a rigid narrowed minded person. Following a tradition without knowing why you are following it, makes a ridicoulous person of you. But if you know why are you acting this way or another, that's another story.

For example: when we are making a cake, we must add the eggs ONE BY ONE and not all together...and why? TRADITION shows that they integrates better into the mix one by one. If I does it otherwise for I'm rebellious because "everybody does it that way", my cake will not be a succes...rather the opposite. The answer is that "everybody" does cakes this way, for they turned well only if we does it this way. Traditions are not nonsense. They are made by popular knowledge and experience. Of course, if someone ask you why you does this or that and you answers: "Oh...just tradition...I do not know really why?" , yu are entering in the "ridicolous" or rigid category I quoted above.

I'm a Monarchist for I'm a traditional person. Monarchy institution is traditional, and for me it demonstrates that it is the better way of governement there is. That's the reason I'm here in this Forum, even if time to time, I think I am in an Anarchist , Communist or Libertarian one.

Vanesa.

[mysunshine]

Originally Posted by Al_bina

I have emphasized the point that Mr. Koizumi rigorously adhered to traditions in spite of being described as innovative, rebellious, etc. and in spite of pushing for reforms of the succession line.

Secondly, there is a male heir in the Imperial Family. So it is highly unlikely for the parties concerned to start reforms related to the throne succession. The power of the IHA should not be underestimated in this case.

At the same time, I agree with that the course of life is open to changes. It is within a realm of possibility that Princess Aiko may become Crown Princess and then ascend the Chrysanthemum Throne. However, the above developments may come to life only after Crown Prince Naruhito becomes an Emperor and persuades the parties concerned into altering the laws in question.

Dear Al_Bina,
I thank you very much for you, such polite and reasonable response here.


My faith and forecast:

Concerning with Togu family, CP Naruhito, CP Masako and P Aiko, has no problem at all, as the righteous successor of Emperor Akihito. Because objective circumstances and political background have dramatically changed since LDP minority.

And notorious bureaucratism is losing their "almighty power" including IHA, without LDP unconditional support. In addition, the book of Princess Masako, Ben Hills, is disclosing the dark and hidden part of IHA, like as Kurofune of Tokugawa age.

Then Ichro Ozawa, expected next PM, will arrange Kositsu-Tenpan or Imperial Family Law, in order to assure the liberty and happiness, rather than IHA suppression.

Concerning with ex-PM Koizumi, one of the most famous populist, has lost his unique position to realize female Emperor Aiko, very unfortunately with his undeciding compromise.


mysunshine

[Vanesa]

Then: the only answer is the same than always. We must wait...and see how the future will bring.

Vanesa.