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Who is Naruhito, Japan's likely next emperor?

19 Comments
By MARI YAMAGUCHI

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19 Comments
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This can't be good for Masako, but I'm sure he wouldn't give up the throne for her. Not unless he really loved her that is.

-9 ( +0 / -9 )

What's the point - apart from tradition (habit) - of having an Emperor?

1 ( +7 / -6 )

Also famous for having a minor public meltdown and accusing the Imperial household of trying to stifle his wife's personality a few years back. His wife doesn't seem to be able to "fit in" with the strictures of the Imperial Household Agency and so has been labelled with "an adjustment disorder" since December 2003.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

it took him eight years of waiting and two rejections before he won her heart

I wonder what her life would be like if she had just told him where to go

1 ( +3 / -2 )

it took him eight years of waiting and two rejections before he won her heart

In my life that is called stalking.

I hope he can fill his fathers shoes.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

"Who is Naruhito?"

You mean we don't know yet? He be Hironomiya!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I wonder what her life would be like if she had just told him where to go

Well, she'd probably actually have a life instead of the hell she finds herself in.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

'Stress induced mental condition? ' Have to wonder who came up with that label. And the originators of the stress. Poor woman.

The IHH has a lot to answer for. But of course they will remain shadowy manipulators.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Hope he can continue his father's stance on being pro-peace, if not, be even more outspoken about it. it has come to my attention he had some public outspoken moments.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Of course, me too, marcelito. Imperial families have always been the tools of power - from shoguns to military junta - and in the current regime their purpose often seems merely to justify the existence of the IHA (宮内庁).

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Emperor Akihito should be granted his wish and retired with pension with the rest of the aged populace. He can keep an eye out for Naruhito and ease his way onto the throne.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Japan may show the world it has come into the 21st century and embracing women as equals if changes are made so a daughter can succeed her father to the throne and a woman who marries into the royal family is not forced to be a marionette.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

It's always been about "poor Masako" but what about the profound suffering that Naruhito has had to endure because of his wife. He has had to constantly cover up for his wife and deal with a mentally ill wife for a very long time. Masako has not performed her duties and it does not reflect well when he has had to constantly travel abroad to other countries alone.

It is indeed the 21st century. The British royal family has gone thru divorces, one being between Prince Charles and Diana. The press made her out to be the "sainted one" however it is later revealed that she was not the naive virginal lady before they got married and she was also extremely promiscuous with lots of other men during their marriage. Camilla appears to be well adjusted & performs royal duties along with her husband & will continue to do so when Charles becomes King of England.

My point is that regardless of the reason, if there is unhappiness in the marriage, as also in this case between Masako and Naruhito, then for the sake of BOTH parties a divorce would be the perfect solution.

Emperor Akihito & Empress Michiko's 2nd son & his wife have already traveled overseas to perform royal duties. And the 2nd son's wife appears to be quite personable with a charming personality. It looks as though she is much better suited for the job and would probably happily accept a new position as Empress when Emperor Akihito abdicates. They also just happen to have a son. This could be a perfect solution for the royal family.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

what about the profound suffering that Naruhito has had to endure because of his wife. He has had to constantly cover up for his wife and deal with a mentally ill wife

In an interview she stated that he promised to help and protect her: it looks like he didn't/wasn't able to, and the dragons of the Kunaicho got their talons into her.

she (Diana) was also extremely promiscuous with lots of other men during their marriage

I know of Hewett, Mannakee and Gilbey, which is three more than the number of indiscretions I've had in my own marriage, but I don't think 3 is 'lots' or that three consecutive affairs, while three more than the ideal, constitutes 'extremely' promiscuous'. Do you know something the rest of us don't know?

if there is unhappiness in the marriage, as also in this case between Masako and Naruhito, then for the sake of BOTH parties a divorce would be the perfect solution

I do not think there is any suggestion of unhappiness in the marriage. The unhappiness stems from the Kunaicho, and if the prince were my husband I would dearly want him to deal with them.

the 2nd son's wife .... would probably happily accept a new position as Empress

I'm sure she would.

They also just happen to have a son.

They do not 'just happen' to have a son. He was born to order, to stem the (dangerous) discussion over the possibility of allowing a female on the throne.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Masako has to get her act together. It s not the worst job to be empress and getting paid for doing not much. A spoiled princess who does not want to give dignity to her country.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

An American here. Respectfully, I feel so sorry for his wife. By all accounts, she seems smart but they always say she's sick or something. What gives?!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@Camman80 I'm guessing being forced to say and do whatever her handlers say probably drives her nuts. Being stifled and not free to be herself, to make use of her abilities is the cause of her stress. She didn't want to be a princess. The prince should have chosen a woman who was willing to be married to him instead of refusing to take no from Masako. No comparison to her sister-in-law who didn't need to be convinced to marry her prince. No comparison to the British Royal Family who can pretty much move around freely. Free to have friends, lunch/dinner outings, enjoy social activities along with performing their public duties.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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