One of the enigma’s facing the Japanese is the situation of Princess Masako.
When Princess Masako married into the Royal Family in 1993, many people (most of them women) considered it as a triumph that could possibly change the way women are seen in Japanese society. Masako is an accomplished and successful woman, a Harvard graduate and a diplomat who can speak a number of languages. She was seen as challenging the traditions of the Imperial household. But this never came to be. tremendous pressure and stress as a royal has actually made her retreat from the public eye. Now, it has been years since Masako has retreated and there are no signs this is going to change.
The most perplexing part though is the lack of information that is being given to the public with regards to her health. This is quite strange for a member of the Imperial household. And the public is beginning to clamor for more news, which does not seem forthcoming.