Japan Princess Confirms Palace Traditions Stifling

Crown Princess Masako acknowledged Sunday for the first time what observers long have suspected: The Harvard-educated former diplomat at times feels stifled by traditions of palace life.

“At times I experience hardship in trying to find the proper point of balance between traditional things and my own personality,” the princess told palace reporters in remarks relayed by the Kyodo news agency.

The press conference, her first solo media appearance, was held to mark Masako’s 33rd birthday, which falls today. She married Crown Prince Naruhito on June 9, 1993.

As is typical of press conferences by members of the imperial family, reporters submitted questions to the Imperial Household Agency in advance.

It is nearly four years since the former Masako Owada became engaged to Naruhito, heir to Japan’s throne. Sunday’s press conference was the first time she has spoken to reporters without the prince at her side.

Foreign media have speculated that the palace is putting a lid on Masako’s activities, partly due to traditional Japanese notions about the duties of a wife - the usual word for “wife” literally means “in the house” - and partly from fear that Masako might outshine the less-glamorous prince.

Japan has very few career women. Many quit their jobs after marriage, and those who work generally have clerical or menial jobs. Wives of prominent men are expected to stay home and take care of their children.

But Masako - speaking in customary formal language - hinted she wants a more modern role.

“While placing importance on those old things that are good, is it not also important to take into account the demands of a new age?” she asked.

She also alluded to an issue that has been delicately discussed in the local media: the fact she has not yet become pregnant.

Without mentioning the pregnancy issue directly, the princess criticized the local media for basing its reporting on “conjecture” and using “sensational” headlines.

Masako is not the first crown princess to find it difficult to adapt.

The current empress, Michiko, is known to have suffered greatly during her early years as crown princess in the 1960s from sniping by the palace old guard. Michiko was the first commoner to marry into the imperial family.