Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako celebrating her 56th birthday at their residence in Tokyo, Japan. - ANN
TOKYO: Japanese Empress Masako, still recovering from stress-induced mental health issues, said Monday (Dec 9) she was happy to have completed her duties as part of Emperor Naruhito's enthronement rituals and pledged to keep up the work and help her husband more for the happiness of the people.
In a palace statement marking her 56th birthday, Masako thanked people who have warmly welcomed the couple after Naruhito succeeded to the throne on May 1, following his father's abdication. "Many smiley faces I've seen in many places are precious memories for me and they will be my big moral support as I move forward," the statement said.
Win a prize this Mother's Day by subscribing to our annual plan now! T&C applies.
