How did Princess Masako's fairy tale turn into her nightmare?
Being in the Japanese royal family turned Masako's life into hell. She is the current empress of Japan. It all started in 196 when she met the Crown Prince of Japan Naruhito. Their relationship was different from the start because Naruhito was a member of the Japanese royal family. Naruhito was the first in the crown's line of succession. Soon, he proposed Masako for marriage. But Masako had doubts about the relationship. She didn't want to b a part of the royal dynasty. Masako worked as a diplomat at that time. So, she had to set aside her career for a life in the imperial household. That's why it took her some time to accept the proposal.
Naruhito promised Masako that he will always protect her.
You might have fears and worries about joining the Imperial household, but I will protect you for my entire life.
It took six years, but she finally said yes for the marriage. But Masako's life was about to become a hell.
After marriage, Masako felt pressure to give the crown it's future emperor, a baby boy!
In Japan, only a son can succeed his father in the crown. Masako felt heavy pressure. She had some health issues which stopped her from getting pregnant. That's why the couple opted for Vitro fertilization.
Finally, in 2000, she got pregnant. But when the ultrasonography revealed the baby's gender, Masako was criticized. It was a baby girl. Even though Masako was happy for her daughter, Aiko, she became frustrated because of all the judgements. She was criticized for something she no control over.
She started having anxiety issues and fell into depression. Her husband Naruhito was still supportive of his wife. But being in the royal family turned out to be a nightmare for Masako. The media was on her tail 24 hours. Even after 10 years in the royal family, Masako still struggled to settle in. Soon she stopped appearing in public. It has been almost 20 years since then. Masako is rarely seen in the spotlight.
In 2019, Naruhito became the Emperor of Japan, and the age of 55,Masako became the Empress. She still feels frustrated as she couldn't give the crown it's successor. So Naruhito's brother Fumihito is the successor of the crown automatically. But everyone knows Masako has no fault in it. And still, she has to live a depressed life.
Masako's sad life is forcing Japan to rethink its own laws, and that is to allow women to lead the country. If that happens, Princess Aiko will become the successor of the crown.
Thank you for having time reading my article. More of this soon!@madeliene