Princess makes public visit

Crown Prince Naruhito told a press conference that Crown Princess Masako (left) is making efforts to perform as many official duties as possible, and has called on the public to watch her with warmth and take the long-term view. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
TOKYO - JAPAN'S Crown Princess Masako, who has suffered stress-induced illness while struggling to adjust to royal life, on Tuesday made her first solo public appearance outside the palace walls in three years.

A smiling Princess Masako, 45, wearing a white high-necked sweater, beige trouser suit and pearl necklace, visited a Tokyo department store for an exhibition of devices invented by housewives, television footage showed.

Princess Masako listened as her attendant explained the exhibited items, ranging from a butter-maker to a device to help disabled people write.

It was her first independent public appearance since 2006. Princess Masako has skipped most public duties over the past five years, although she has attended several public functions with her husband, Crown Prince Naruhito.

Princess Masako, a former career diplomat, has been under intense pressure to bear a son under Japan's male-only royal succession law.

Princess Masako and Prince Naruhito have one child, seven-year-old Princess Aiko, while his younger brother has a two-year-old boy, the first prince born to the royal family in 40 years.

In a sign of her recovery, the princess this year played a full part in the traditional New Year greetings at the palace in central Tokyo, before tens of thousands of well-wishers. -- AFP