By Tomomi Abe

Crown Prince Naruhito visited three countries in Europe from May 12 to 24 and attended the wedding of the Prince of Denmark and the Prince of Spain. Before his departure, on May 10, he had a news conference concerning Crown Princess Masako, who couldn't accompany him. He said, "There were moves to reject her career as a diplomat and her personality." This exceptional remark is in the spotlight.

Toshio Yuasa, the Grand Steward of the Imperial Household Agency, had a news conference about the Crown Prince's remarks, and said, "We receive it sincerely." At the same time, the Imperial Household Agency questioned whether the staff could fulfill their primary functions to let the Imperial family lead a good live. About 110 opinions were sent to the Website of the Imperial Household Agency, and some people voiced criticism by using microphones in front of the Imperial Palace.

If the members of the Imperial family lack for something in their daily lives, it is natural that they tell the problem to their aids. Nevertheless, the Crown Prince first revealed such facts in a press conference. He tried his best to express his complaint.

Below is part of what the Crown Prince said about Princess Masako at a news conference: "She became a member of the Imperial family by giving up her job as a diplomat. She thinks international goodwill is an important job. However, she suffers from not being able to visit foreign countries. It is true that there were moves to reject her career as a diplomat and her personality. For the last ten years, she tried to adapt herself to the surroundings of the Imperial House, and she seems exhausted because of it."

Crown Princess Masako was going to visit Denmark, Spain, and Portugal with the Crown Prince this time, but she abandoned her plans because she was in a bad condition. Although she has taken a long rest, she has not recovered completely. This is one of the apprehensive problems we have as a nation. Particularly, the mass media has reported Masako's agony about the problem of succession. Of course, it is one of the root causes of her anguish. Masako lived as a commoner before she became a member of the Imperial family, and she may feel inestimable pressure or distress to bear a son, who will later become the Emperor. It is no wonder her health has declined.

After his return from Europe, the Crown Prince did not have a news conference. Instead he made a document public because many Japanese were disturbed by his remarks. He said, "I'm not criticizing anyone." However, the Crown Prince surely voiced his complaint about the need for reviewing the functions of the Imperial Household Agency before his departure.

What the Imperial family needs, especially the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, is freedom. It is natural for the Royal family in Europe, so nobody would mind adopting it in Japan and they could live nearer to the common people. Now, Crown Prince and Princess Masako are raising their daughter, Princess Aiko. They may need a new life like families we see in most neighborhoods. Even if we don't ask the Imperial Household Agency to do anything, there is a way for the Imperial family to lead a more happy life by reviewing and improving the system of the Imperial Household Agency. Of course, we should treasure Japan's Imperial system, but we should also allow the Imperial family to adopt the modern systems of other countries. It is hoped that the family of the Crown Prince will be able to show their vigorous and happy selves as soon as possible.