This past week, I have been reading about the abdication of Japanese Emperor Akihito. An emperor has not abdicated in over 200 years. It’s sad, but he has had illnesses, so he needs to rest.
He met his wife, a commoner, while playing tennis. They married in 1959. He and Empress Michiko have three children.
His son, Crown Prince Naruhito, 59,and Princess Masako will now take the thrown. Life has not been easy for Princess Masako. She did not want to marry into royalty and when she did all of her freedoms for traveling, etc. were taken away from her. This caused her to fall into great depression. Also, the fact that she gave birth to a daughter and not a son was stressful. Hopefully, her new role changes her outlook on life.
In America, we are lacking when it comes to International news. Luckily, with the Internet, we can read Asian newspapers to understand what is going on in Japan right now. It’s all very interesting. I wish them well.
Brilliant Viewpoint 
I’m fascinated such an important headline escaped me; perhaps an sign of the continuing divide between West and East (or I need to find a more diverse source for my news). Also interesting to hear about Princess Masako. My immediate thought was of Meghan Markle. Both women seem somewhat “fish out of water” right now. Like you, I hope both find unexpected satisfaction in their new roles.
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Yes, I think Princess Diana must have felt this way too, but in England they have a bit more freedom. Let’s see what happens.
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