Japan’s Crown Princess Vows Continued Efforts for People’s Happiness

December 9, 2018

Tokyo--Japanese Crown Princess Masako, who will become the country's new Empress on May 1 next year when Crown Prince Naruhito accedes to the throne, expressed her resolve to make continued efforts for people's happiness.

"I'll make continued efforts to help the Crown Prince if only slightly and make people happy," the Crown Princess said in a statement released Sunday to mark her 55th birthday.

She said marking her last birthday in the current Heisei era leaves her with deep emotion and a kind of loneliness.

The Heisei era, which began in 1989 when Emperor Akihito ascended to the throne, is set to end on April 30 next year when he abdicates.

The Crown Princess expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko for welcoming and keep watching over her warmly since a decision for her to marry the Crown Prince was made nearly 26 years ago.

On her visit in September to Asakura, Fukuoka Prefecture, southwestern Japan, hit hard by heavy rain in July last year, the Crown Princess said she earnestly hopes for its recovery from the disaster.

The Crown Princess also said that she, together with the Crown Prince, will continue to pray for recoveries for other disaster-affected areas, including those hit by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

Referring to warm welcomes that she received from people during her regional trips, the Crown Princess said, "I often had a feeling of closeness to them and they provided great support for me."

The Crown Princess, who has been under medical treatment, said she will continue efforts to recover her health and perform her duties as much as possible.

Her doctors said the Crown Princess is still on her way to recovery and that it is important for her to continue receiving treatment without trying too hard. Jiji Press