Crown Princess Masako's adjustment disorder

[iowabelle]

I never really understood why the IHA thought it would be beneficial to keep Masako so isolated. When they allowed her to travel, she looked happy, and surely it would be beneficial for her to become friendly with the other crown princesses, her "peer group" if you like. (I can understand their reluctance to overburden her with official duties if she isn't up to them.)

 

[monica17]

I never really understood why the IHA thought it would be beneficial to keep Masako so isolated. When they allowed her to travel, she looked happy, and surely it would be beneficial for her to become friendly with the other crown princesses, her "peer group" if you like. (I can understand their reluctance to overburden her with official duties if she isn't up to them.)

The IHA wants her to get pregnant that's why she kept her at home in Japan. Although as Elspeth pointed out, how could she get pregnant if her husband is away? Maybe home for fertility treatments?

 

[USRoyalist]

Netherlands trip

Goodness! Such venom for the IHA. They're just doing their job, to protect and perpetuate the Imperial family. They're in essence no different from Elizabeth II's Chamberlain's office or even the Executive Office of the President of the US. It's too bad Masako is so stressed, but quite frankly the principal function of a royal wife is to bear heirs, which in Japan's case means boys. That's just the reality of it. She should have known this before she married the prince. I think this is the reason most royal establishments resist marriage to commoners, whether in Japan or Europe. They just don't get it. It's not about appearances and clothes and crowd-waving. It's breeding. In every sense of the word.
It's interesting they took her doctor along. Perhaps there was some hope that a change in scenery could spark a little romance.

 

[Zonk]

USRoyalist...I am sure Masako prior to her marriage was fully aware of her duties as wife to the Crown Prince of Japan. Providing an male heir the important of all of the tasks. Unfortunately, what your heart wants its not necessarily the same thing as what your body does. Its not a mind thing..she didn't have a male child because she didn't want to fufill her duties.

 

[soCal girl]

Goodness! Such venom for the IHA. They're just doing their job, to protect and perpetuate the Imperial family. They're in essence no different from Elizabeth II's Chamberlain's office or even the Executive Office of the President of the US. It's too bad Masako is so stressed, but quite frankly the principal function of a royal wife is to bear heirs, which in Japan's case means boys. That's just the reality of it. She should have known this before she married the prince. I think this is the reason most royal establishments resist marriage to commoners, whether in Japan or Europe. They just don't get it. It's not about appearances and clothes and crowd-waving. It's breeding. In every sense of the word.
It's interesting they took her doctor along. Perhaps there was some hope that a change in scenery could spark a little romance.

Masako knew the realities. However, she can't determine the sex of her baby. If she could, I'm sure she would gladly give the IHA and the Japanese people a male heir. An aristocratic lady does not guarantee a male heir either. I think the IHA just put too much pressure on the couple and refuse to change with the times. I'm all for traditions but the reality is people need to be a little bit more flexible in this day and age.

 

[Sister Morphine]

Masako knew the realities. However, she can't determine the sex of her baby. If she could, I'm sure she would gladly give the IHA and the Japanese people a male heir. An aristocratic lady does not guarantee a male heir either. I think the IHA just put too much pressure on the couple and refuse to change with the times. I'm all for traditions but the reality is people need to be a little bit more flexible in this day and age.

The males determine whether or not the child will be a boy or a girl. Women carry no Y chromosomes, only Xs. Men have an X and a Y. If you get an X from them, it's a girl. If you get a Y, it's a boy.

The only way you can plan on what sex to have is to do some kind of genetic screening to insure the male gives a Y chromosome.

 

[soCal girl]

The males determine whether or not the child will be a boy or a girl. Women carry no Y chromosomes, only Xs. Men have an X and a Y. If you get an X from them, it's a girl. If you get a Y, it's a boy.

The only way you can plan on what sex to have is to do some kind of genetic screening to insure the male gives a Y chromosome.

I know that the sperm is the one who determines the sex. Either way, Masako or Naruhito as people really have no say over what the sex of the baby is. The sperm does. I just think it's a shame how the IHA put so much pressure on Masako to produce a male heir when in reality, it isn't even her "job" so to speak.

 

[Sister Morphine]

I know that the sperm is the one who determines the sex. Either way, Masako or Naruhito as people really have no say over what the sex of the baby is. The sperm does. I just think it's a shame how the IHA put so much pressure on Masako to produce a male heir when in reality, it isn't even her "job" so to speak.

I was agreeing with you. Yes she needed to produce a male heir, but short of using genetic screening of some kind to ensure that it happens, it's a 50/50 crapshoot.

 

[iowabelle]

The IHA wants her to get pregnant that's why she kept her at home in Japan. Although as Elspeth pointed out, how could she get pregnant if her husband is away? Maybe home for fertility treatments?

You don't have to be at home to get pregnant! Keeping the pregnancy is a different matter; if she were to be pregnant again, I can understand why the IHA might want her to stay at home and avoid the risk of travel since she had a miscarriage before.

 

[monica17]

You don't have to be at home to get pregnant! Keeping the pregnancy is a different matter; if she were to be pregnant again, I can understand why the IHA might want her to stay at home and avoid the risk of travel since she had a miscarriage before.

You're right, of course. It's just so hard to fathom the IHA's perspective on keeping her home in order to get pregnant. They didn't want Masako to travel until she has done her duty -conceive and give birth to a son.

 

[soCal girl]

You're right, of course. It's just so hard to fathom the IHA's perspective on keeping her home in order to get pregnant. They didn't want Masako to travel until she has done her duty -conceive and give birth to a son.

I sometimes wonder how Masako's life would be now if her child had been a boy. She wouldn't have had her beautiful little Aiko, but she wouldn't be ill and maybe she'd travel more. Perhaps the IHA would be kinder and not lock her up as if she was in prison. I still have hope that now the pressure is off, by some miracle that Masako could conceive and have a boy (if Aiko being Empress is not an option).

 

[Sister Morphine]

I sometimes wonder how Masako's life would be now if her child had been a boy. She wouldn't have had her beautiful little Aiko, but she wouldn't be ill and maybe she'd travel more. Perhaps the IHA would be kinder and not lock her up as if she was in prison. I still have hope that now the pressure is off, by some miracle that Masako could conceive and have a boy (if Aiko being Empress is not an option).

I hope they don't force her to have another child. If she chooses to try and have another child, that's one thing.

 

[kimebear]

I hope they don't force her to have another child. If she chooses to try and have another child, that's one thing.

I agree with you. At her age, a pregnancy is very risky. It should be her choice to take that risk without reprecussions from the IHA.

 

[foiegrass]

I doubt that Masako would have another child, with her age... the risk and the complications. she's in her forties while Kiko is GOING to be forty this year. futhemore, with her illness and depression. so its really hard for Masako to have a child.

 

[soCal girl]

Masako is in her forties and Kiko is going to be forty but studies show that after 30 nowadays (even with medical advancements, sometimes it's best not to meddle too much with nature) women are more likely to face more complications and difficult pregnancies. So child-bearing would be pretty similar for Masako or Kiko (age-wise) but I agree because of all the stress and illness it would be very hard for Masako to conceive. But who knows? Maybe after a year of having security (Kiko's son), the pressure won't be so heavy on Masako. I'm curious to find out what will happen to the Imperial Family of Japan in the next five years or so especially concerning Masako, Naruhito, and Aiko.

 

[Ariel]

I dont think it is an issue to have a child after 30, if we look around, many woman over 30 are having children without difficulties and it is becoming the most common thing specially in western societies. The pregnancies turns to be very common and uncomplicated. There are issues that are taken care closer but the porcentage of problems are low. After 40 gets more difficult but it is not the only factor that affects Masako i think. They probably have other issues that create her difficulties in getting pregnant that are even more important than age.

 

[mandyy]

Crown princess not to take more overseas trips to recuperate: agency

The top aide to Crown Prince Naruhito said Friday there are no plans for the crown prince and his wife Crown Princess Masako to take more trips abroad to help her recuperate.
"I have absolutely nothing in mind, nor are there any plans," Grand Master Issei Nomura told a press conference. "I don't think their medical team is thinking about it either."....The team summed up the trip as one which was "useful for proceeding with her treatment in the future," saying the exchanges with the Dutch royal family were "experiences conducive to her confidence."
The medical team said it will decide on the crown princess' future activities "on a case-by-case basis" by "taking her condition into account."...
http://asia.news.yahoo.com/060908/kyodo/d8k0jjko1.html

 

[Emily]

Is the Grand Master, Issei Nomura, the new head of the Prince's household, former Ambassador to Russia and friend of the Owada family? Just curious.

 

[monica17]

Is the Grand Master, Issei Nomura, the new head of the Prince's household, former Ambassador to Russia and friend of the Owada family? Just curious.

Yes, I read that this new Grand Master is indeed a family friend of the Owadas. It is said that Masako's father knows him from the diplomatic circle.

 

[sirmax]

Does anyone know if the Crown Princess has recovered from her depression.

 

[Jackswife]

Aiko is such a beautiful child! I think despite all the turmoil that has surrounded Naruhito and Masako that they have been exceptional parents to this living doll and that is the main thing. As for Masako having another baby it may be that Naruhito doesn't want her to go through any more potentially hazardous pregnancies. They both seem to adore Aiko and maybe taht's as fulfilling to them than if they had had a son. Thanks so much for these pictures. Here in the States I *never* get to see pictures of the three of them and so these are a delight.

 

[monica17]

Aiko is such a beautiful child! I think despite all the turmoil that has surrounded Naruhito and Masako that they have been exceptional parents to this living doll and that is the main thing. As for Masako having another baby it may be that Naruhito doesn't want her to go through any more potentially hazardous pregnancies. They both seem to adore Aiko and maybe taht's as fulfilling to them than if they had had a son. Thanks so much for these pictures. Here in the States I *never* get to see pictures of the three of them and so these are a delight.

I agree with what you said. Even if Aiko is such a disappointment to the IHA officials, she is the darling of her parents and most people in Japan, plus us of course! Naruhito once said that it'll be good to have another child (presumably a son), and that the succession issue is important, but that he hopes that Masako will be able to live in peace....and that his number one priority is his wife's recovery. This person appreciates what he has, a hard -to-conceive child, his dream wife, and nothing else matters.

 

[Emily]

Does anyone know if the Crown Princess has recovered from her depression.

According to the Crown Prince's birthday interview in February, she has not fully recovered and her strength waxes and wanes from day to day. However, the doctors are trying to reintroduce her slowly into an official program.

And I agree that Naruhito is largely the unsung hero here! He is such a caring man and, in re-reading many of the commentaries after he stood up for Masako, he really did stick his neck out for her; that kind of candidness/criticism is apparently unheard of in the Imperial Family. This threesome is a lovely little family!

 

[RachelD]

I like the Crown Prince...he seems so loving and down to earth. You can really tell he loves Masako. It's in the way he looks at her, so tender and caring. Aiko is the spitting image of her father! She is very adorable! It's nice to see this family having fun, laughing, smiling...just being together and having a great time doing so. Who knows? Maybe Masako will have another child in the near future and it could be a boy...? Hope dies last, in the meantime, they need to enjoy thier daughter and each other.

 

[reen]

I think that now that the pressure of not havin a male imperial heir is off her shoulders, Masako and the Crown Prince have much to be thankful for. I'm of the opinion that Masako does not wish for her daughter to be Empress under the direction of the IHA. I work for the government and know first hand how Bureauracy can be a terribly stifiling thing. Based upon the information I have read, I don't think I would survive with my sanity intact in Masako's situation. She gets lots of points with me for still being able to function.
I'm too used to independence to be able to live in a fish bowl.

 

[Emily]

Reen - I agree with your remarks. I am also curious -- do you work for the Japanese government?

 

[Charlotte1]

Weren't those pictures taken at the time of Aiko's birthday, though, and just some that had not been released now have been? I am also curious to know if anyone knows whether Yutaka Ono is a male or female name? I noticed that was the name of her psychiatrist and I have long been curious if she was being treated by a male or female doctor. Thanks for any help.

Yukata Ono is a male name. He's one of the few doctors in Japan who specialise in treating depression, it's due to Masako's mother that he became her ( Masako's) doctor. Masako's mother used her contacts to find a doctor who would be able to help her daughter. Currently there are a miniscule number of female psychiatrists in Japan, think a handful in a country with a population of 127 million. There are proportionally fewer female doctors in general.

Yukata Ono is a professor of psychiatry at Keio University in Tokyo. He's the author of a book called "Treating Depression" and is a recognised authority on the subject in Japan.

 

[corazon]

masako look vevry well, she still dont is in all her royal funtions, right?

 

[Emily]

masako look vevry well, she still dont is in all her royal funtions, right?

Yes, that is right, corazon. She is still considered to be recovering and is taking on duties as she is able. It has been written recently that she still suffers from fatigue and so has to regulate her schedule to accomodate that. Overall, it looks as though she is moving toward recovery, though, which I am happy to see.

Charlotte, thank you for the information on the doctor. How did you find out that it was her mother who helped with the search?

 

[janos614]

Yukata Ono is a male name. He's one of the few doctors in Japan who specialise in treating depression, it's due to Masako's mother that he became her ( Masako's) doctor. Masako's mother used her contacts to find a doctor who would be able to help her daughter. Currently there are a miniscule number of female psychiatrists in Japan, think a handful in a country with a population of 127 million. There are proportionally fewer female doctors in general.

Yukata Ono is a professor of psychiatry at Keio University in Tokyo. He's the author of a book called "Treating Depression" and is a recognised authority on the subject in Japan.

I'm Asian, and I am quite familiar with how more of the traditional areas of some Asian socieities can view mental illness, so it's a relief that her family was proactive enough to get her the help that she needed.