TOKYO, May 18 (UPI) -- Japan's emperor and empress have asked their son, Crown Prince Naruhito, to explain why he blames the Imperial Household Agency for his wife's poor health.
Shingo Haketa, a top Imperial Household Agency official, said Monday that Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko were surprised at the crown prince's remarks on May 10, effectively criticizing the agency for expecting Crown Princess Masako to live a tradition-bound life, the Mainichi Shimbun reported Tuesday.
The crown prince had told a press conference she was in poor health and would not be able to accompany him on a 12-day European tour.
"It's true that there were moves to deny Masako's career and her personality," the crown prince said at the time.
After his remarks were reported in the media, the imperial couple reportedly told their aides that the crown prince had better provide a concrete explanation for his concerns as his words had had great repercussions socially.
It is very rare for a member of the imperial household to speak ill of circumstances behind the Chrysanthemum Curtain.
