The 44-year-old crown princess - who has suffered from a stress-induced mental illness since 2004 - is being criticised in various Japanese newspaper for frequently going out with friends and family but not fulfilling her official obligations.
Japan's Crown Princess Masako has been accused of "slacking" after being unable to complete her official duties.
The 44-year-old crown princess - who has suffered from a stress-induced mental illness since 2004 - is being criticised in various Japanese newspaper for frequently going out with friends and family but not fulfilling her official obligations.
The Imperial Household Agency has now set up a section on its website to correct "erroneous reports" as a result of headlines such as "A full private life: Official duties only twice, but over 50 outings".
Yesterday (24.01.08), the agency posted a protest against reports Masako - who is married to Crown Prince Naruhito - had cut short her official New Year's Eve (31.12.07) duties at Tokyo's Imperial Palace to go out to lunch with her parents.
The report read: "Although she is said to be under treatment, some people around the emperor and empress, who performed strenuous duties all day, are raising doubts."
Last week the government announced Masako's health was deteriorating, and she was suffering from dizzy spells and intestinal bleeding.
Many claim the princess' illness is a direct result of the constant pressure on her to deliver a male heir.
Prince Masako and Prince Naruhito have a six-year-old daughter Aiko, but traditional Japanese law states only men are allowed inherit the country's throne.
Masako's royal sister-in-law Princess Kiko - the wife of Prince Akishino - gave birth to son Prince Hisahito in 2006, the first male heir born to the imperial family in more than 40 years.
Princess Masako
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