Princess Masako
1 02 2009
The Constitution of Japan defines the Japanese emperor as “the symbol of the State and of the Unity of People.” (You can read the Constitution of Japan here.) As the symbol of the nation, the emperor and other royal family members, are well-loved by the Japanese people. Royal family public appearances always attract enormous crowds and media attention.
Close to 80,000 people came to the imperial palace this year to see the royal family New Year’s address (一般参賀). You can see part of this years’ 一般参賀、here.
Among royal family members, the crown princess, Masako, receives the most attention and concern from the media and citizens. Princess Masako has been suffering from “adjustment disorder” and has limited her public appearances. There is speculation that the change in lifestyle since becoming a part of the royal family and pressure to bear a male successor contributed to her depression.
While many Japanese citizens sympathize with the princess, tabloid reports of an alleged luxurious private life have been causing controversy.
Below are articles and video clips regarding princess Masako – her profile, condition, and controversy. Please view them, and share comments.
• Princess Trapped by Palace Guard BBC NEWS February 3, 2006.
• Japan’s Princess Masako Criticized over Ritzy Dining Habits Herald Tribune, February 4, 2008
I never had thought that there was a princess in Japan. I don’t know why, because I knew of the Emperor. But it didn’t go along with my ideal of the King-Queen-Prince-Princess idea. But anyway, I think the pressures that Masako-hime (?) is going through isn’t fair. People in the spotlight are always supposed to behave a certain way in the eye of the commoner because the public are supposed to admire and act like this person. The way the press is reporting her “fancy” dining as a horrible thing to be doing seems exaggerated. In Japanese tradition, having a baby sitter, eating expensive meals, being spendthrift are not norms, and I can see how this would upset many Japanese. Maybe it’s because I’ve been in US culture my entire life and people who are rich and famous do have expensive meals that her behavior doesn’t seem an outrageous thing to do.
This idea of having to have a son seems old-fashioned but at the same time makes sense in the royalty aspect. Successors are typically supposed to be male, and it isn’t a new idea or odd one, even though it doesn’t change with the times. It somewhat reminded me of China’s 1 child-rule and how boys are more wanted than females. There is such a pressure to have a boy that it must also be a hard, depressing time for parents. It can’t be easy trying to make something that you have limited control over. There’s this idea that “no boy” means “no joy” in some Asian communities. These communicates celebrate the birth of boys and view girls as a disappointment. If she had trouble with conceiving her first child, she shouldn’t have to keep going through it until she gets a boy.
I do sympathize with her. People need to back off and let people live their own lives, rich or poor, famous or not, royalty or commoner.
I remember hearing a long time ago from one of my Japanese friends that Japan has the oldest continuous hereditary monarchy that still exists in the world today. So, it makes sense that the Japanese are putting so much pressure on the Princess to produce a male heir. Although, it also would create an enormous amount of pressure for the Princess. She has no control over the sex of her child, but if she fails to produce a male heir, then she will essentially be responsible for the end of the longest lasting hereditary monarchy. It seems to be a kind of catch 22. She can’t produce a male heir because of the pressure people have put her under. They are putting her under so much pressure because it is up to her to produce a male heir.
I feel that many of the things she has been doing to create controversy only do so because they are not typical “Japanese” things to do. People need to keep in mind that she was raised all over the world and many crucial years in her development were spent outside of Japan. People should recognize that they are not helping anyone’s situation by making it a big deal. They are further stressing out the Princess by bringing it up. If it is a way of coping, or even a way of soothing herself, she should be allowed to indulge herself a little bit. Who can carry the weight of the world and receive nothing in exchange?
The royal family in Japan is very closely followed by the Japanese people. When I visited Japan two years ago, my tour guide was telling us about the royal family and she knew everything about them. Even down to each person’s birthdays. Americans don’t understand completely about having a royal family, even though our current president is very popular. I think that the Japanese people are more obsessed with their royal family.
I feel sad for Princess Masako. Looking at her past job and childhood, being a part of the royal family is very different for her. The BBC article talks about how she traveled the world with her family and her studies in school. Being told that you can’t do the things that you want and have done in the past would make me upset too. The issue of her eating out too much was ridiculous to me. If she wants to go out she can. I understand how the people were upset because with her limited appearances; she should try to balance her time between work and pleasure. Life style changes are difficult especially when you are told what exactly you can and can not do. The attention from the media does not help either with trying to decrease pressure on having a son. Princess Masako already has enough pressure to bear a son from her family to continue the throne. I’m not a part of the royal family so I do not know what they should do. It seems that it will be difficult for a son to be born and the Princess does not show much effort as I understand, to be trying to conceive.
As the comment before talked about, Princess Masako is not a very traditional person. The press, Japanese people, and the royal family should try to think things over with a new outlook. The times are changing and the Princess is a prime example.
I sympathize with the princess. Undoubtedly, the burdens of being such an outstanding public icon would weigh heavily on anyone, and somehow, I’d imagine even moreso if the person happens to be a woman. One of the main burdens I’m hinting at is the whole issue concerning her fertility and the pressure set upon her to conceive a male child. It’s obviously something that she has no power or control over, yet still the imperial council, and perhaps even the public, expect it of her to produce an heir. This reminds me of old world European monarchies, in a way. The woman is responsible for what comes out, I guess.
As far as the glamourous life-style: who cares?! Aside from the whole public funding thing (can you really trust the media on that sort of thing, especially when it’s obviously biased?), it seems completely acceptable. I mean, who doesn’t like eating? If I were a princess, I would eat super expensive food constantly. Besides, it’s a very human thing to do; buying and consuming in times of hardship.
I can’t imagine how stifling it must feel for Masako-hime to fit into the royal family after leading a decidedly independent and successful career in business. It’s an extremely abrupt change, going from something so self-directed to an institution as traditional as the Japanese monarchy, and I think in light of that, her actions make a lot of sense.
I see her avoidance of royal functions and penchant for private, lavish dinners as an escape mechanism from the pressures of the monarchy – or, simply a chance to live life as she would have lived it were she still a businesswoman. Sure, the royal family has a history of frugality, but one has to remember that she’s not exactly textbook royalty. This seems to be an attempted blending of modern business culture with traditional monarchy, except no real middle ground is given. That, I believe, is what’s so problematic.
I wonder if the media would be so critical of her were she a prince avoiding public functions and being free with his spending, however. This seems to me to be a pretty good exploration of the traditional role of women in a modern context, and its (seemingly negative) impact on the parties involved. In my opinion, things need to move a little bit forward in that area if Masako is to derive any comfort in her position.
In that vein, I think the pressures on Masako surrounding childbearing are out of line. I’ve never carried, birthed, or attempted to conceive a child, but from every source I’ve heard, the entire process, if it doesn’t go smoothly, is at best frustrating and at worst absolutely terrifying. The fact that she miscarried alone is extremely traumatizing, especially after trying for five years to conceive. I don’t know what the royal family will do without an heir, but they have to realize that their harassment of Masako is doing nothing but harm, and if it keeps up, there may be no heir to show for it anyway.
Princess Masako’s story is sad, but I think it can be solved pretty easily. First, the pressure to have a male child has to stop. As many posts have mentioned before, tradition that a boy becomes emperor has been going on for a very long time. While tradition is great, I think Japan should be the first country to realize that tradition must be carefully balanced with customs of the time. If Japanese were able to integrate Western traditions, styles and trends into their lives, they should be able to make this one small exception and let the Princess’s daughter become emperor(/ess). Actually, this problem might be avoided altogether if Aiko has a male son who reaches adulthood before his grandfather dies.
The second part of the fix would be that Princess Masako stops spending so much money. A lot of people are defending her, but I disagree. As a member of the government (even if she wasn’t born into it, she married into it), the Princess has to realize that she cannot simply do as she pleases. She inevitably had to come to terms with this fact before she got married, and I don’t see why she doesn’t understand now. It is her duty to attend social events and set a good example for the Japanese people. As a member of the royal family, that is one of her main jobs. And, unlike other members of the family, she freely chose to take on this job. This doesn’t mean that she can’t travel or eat an expensive meal every once in a while, but she should refrain from overspending and show Japanese people how even a Princess needs to be frugal. This is especially important in the current (lack of) economy.
In opposition to this, if people are really fed up with the spending of the royal family, they have the ability to change it. The Emperor’s family is only a symbol of state and responsible providing the head of the government. If supporting the family becomes too difficult, the process of selecting a head of government can be changed. I think that people would not want to get rid of the tradition that has been carried on for so many years, though. So instead, they should try to give the Princess a little leeway. No one is perfect, after all.
I understand where everybody is coming from about the unfairness surrounding the whole miscarriage issue and how the royal family treats Princess Masako. However, we have to bare in mind that it all has been a rumour. No one really knows what is going on in the palace because everything has been so secretive. The words that come out from the “insiders” might be true, but it could also be biased against the royal family and sympathetic to Princess Masako. Basically, I feel like this is still a speculation. Of course, Princess Masako has come out and admitted that it has been difficult adjusting to the royal life, but that doesn’t mean the royal family is really treating her badly.
Princess Masako is indeed very pretty and intelligent. She has been raised in different environments, thus explaining her uniqueness. It seems to me that this issue has divided people who follow the the issue into two simple groups: the group that sympathizes with Princess Masako, and the group that’s against her. It is unclear weather Princess Masako rare appearance in public events has rooted in her Adjustment Disorder, or her unwillingness to perform her duty. Some say the pressure of having a baby boy is too harsh that she experiences a disorder, but how could one explain her fancy dining that drains the people’s tax money?
I personally do not have an opinion regarding this issue, but I believe that the “it’s her right to dine in a fancy place and eat fancy food” is not applicable here. Firstly, the royal institution has been revered greatly in Japan, since…who knows – more than 500 hundred years ago? The monarch is believed to be a descendent of the Sun Goddess. It’s been the people’s expectation that the emperor would do his job, which vary throughout the times. Things have changed, and although people know that the emperor is in fact not God, they still have certain expectations: public appearances, being a good model for the people are among some of them. However, Princess Masako did not meet some of the expectations, and whatever the reason is, this sparks the people’s curiosity. Therefore, it is very normal that she would be scrutinized by the public. She is not following the role of the royal family.
The question is, should she be avoiding public appearances? Would this help her adjusting to the new depression she’s going through? Would this help keep away the public from trying the learn that secret going on in the palace? Would this make anything better?
Princess Masako knew that she would have to give up her normal life to be in the royal family. There’s a reason why there’s a pressure on her to conceive a boy. (although I find that it is very rigid – too rigid – because many countries have changed that rule and allowed women to inherit the throne) She immediately reminds me of Princess Diana. I’m not against the royal family, since I, myself, highly respected the Thai royal family, and totally understand when some people don’t understand what’s going on. Yes, the emperor/king is just the figure head of the country, but there’s so much more than that going on behind the scene. And people don’t know, but the very important role of the royal family is to meet that expectation of the people and perform the duties as good as they can. Failure to meet this expectation would contribute to more pressure. Not being able to conceive a boy is one story, but not participating in many events would stir more controversy.
I think this story just goes to show you that money can’t buy happiness. Everyone always thinks it would be nice to be royalty but they rarely think about these types of situations. The actions of Princess Masako are carefully watched by so many people. She once lived a life of utmost freedom, and now she can’t even call her parents without palace approval.
I can’t even imagine all of the pressure that must be on Princess Masako in Japan. As Eric said, the pressures of producing a male heir need to be relaxed. Princess Masako can not possibly be expected to conceive another child with this kind of national pressure bearing down on her. It is bad for her health and probably stops her from conceiving another child.
I think it is interesting that her habits (shopping, dinning, etc…) are receiving so much criticism because with other royal families, people are on pins and needles waiting to see what the next purchase will be. Over the summer I saw a program on tv of the “Fabulous lives of the young and royal” or something like that, and people glorified much more extravanent purchases then a $95 meal of mexican food.
I am also concerned for the pressure on Aiko, her daughter. As Eric said Aiko could solve the problem by producing a son, but I’m concerned that in their demand for a male heir, the Japanese people may pressure Aiko into marriage to prompt the birth of this heir. Although I have seen nothing that would point to this happening, I’m still concerned that desparation will lead to this end.
I think that the Japanese people need to realize that they are sending slightly mixed messages to the royal family. Princess Masako is seen as a representative of the country who must go to fancy engagements and be seen in public, but at the same time, she is being criticized for being too luxurious in her living. While I do think it is a little suspicious that she can’t go to official fintions but then goes out at night, she is ultimately a symbol of the country who also has to live her life the way she wants. This is a very tricky double-life for one to live.
I can only imagine the pressure that Masako is being put through, with needing to bear a male heir. Along with the miscarriage, I’m sure this has created a lot of stress for her.
I don’t agree with still requiring a male heir, but if Japan insists on it there should be some changes made. The media needs to reduce the attacks that they make on Masako. I don’t think this means they cannot report any concerns they might have in regards to her actions, or how the taxpayers money is spent, but the blatant attacks do not have a place in the media. Also, the royal family has not made the situation better by staying mostly silent throughout the ordeal. More transparency on their part would answer a lot of questions that the media has asked. This may also help alleviate some of the pressure that is being felt by Masako.
The question of balancing tradition with the realities of modern life is an interesting one. While those who know me would describe me as a social liberal, I also recognize that the point of tradition is to provide a constant for a society to look toward and reconfirm their collective identity. In the case of Japan, which has been in radical flux ever since the Meiji Restoration, the constant of the Imperial Family likely instills a feeling of security.
Granted, this constant is in itself an artifice. The Imperial Family has changed countless times, even in recent history, and Empresses have held the throne before. However, this is probably a case where reality defers to appearance: the apparent steadfast nature is what’s important, not whether it’s actually true or not.
To say that the requirement for a male heir should be abolished is tricky for this reason. It disrupts the apparent steadfastness and makes the foundation of the Empire that much shakier. Combine this with placing royal family members more squarely in the public eye, removing their mystique, and the situation becomes worse. How long would it be before Japanese royalty is viewed like their far less-respected European counterparts? To a nation that places part of its social identity in the presence of a traditionally divine Emperor, this could agitate republican movements and destabilize society.
Of course, that’s playing it right to the worst-case scenario.
In any case, while I sympathize with Masako-hime, she does have a responsibility to the nation. After all, being royalty isn’t (or shouldn’t be) a vacation from the daily toil of common life, but a responsibility to act as a pillar to society. She serves a specific function to the Japanese people, and I’m positive she was aware of this when she accepted the Crown Prince’s proposal. The fact that it makes her uncomfortable, depressed, and withdrawn, while sad, doesn’t detract from the responsibility she had taken on.
Unfortunately, bearing a male heir and participating in state events is part of her responsibility and that isn’t going to change.