Playback ’05] The Owada Family’s “Disbelief” in the Crown Prince’s “Apology Conference”: “Masako is the only one who has been wronged…” [Playback ’05
What did “FRIDAY” report 10, 20, and 30 years ago? In “Playback Friday,” we take a look back at the topics that were hot at the time. In this issue, we introduce a report from 20 years ago, in the March 18, 2005 issue, titled “Deep Report on Princess Masako’s Cancellation of Nagano Official Duties: Crown Prince’s “Apology Press Conference” Enraged the ‘Owada Family.
On February 26, 2005, the Crown Prince and Princess (now Emperor and Empress) were scheduled to visit Nagano Prefecture to watch the Nagano Special Olympics games and interact with the athletes. However, one hour before their departure, Princess Masako’s visit and subsequent local official duties were canceled. The following is an article on the “ripples” that followed (the descriptions in parentheses are quoted from past articles. All ages and titles are current at the time).
No One Trying to Protect Princess Masako Anymore
As a preliminary step to this story, there was the previous year’s “disturbance over the Crown Prince’s negative comments about the character of the Crown Princess. At a press conference held on May 10, 2004, after complaining about Princess Masako’s poor health that prevented her from accompanying the Crown Prince on his visit to Europe for rest and relaxation,
He stated, “It is also true that there have been moves to deny Masako’s career and, based on that, Masako’s personality.”
He then stated, “It is also true that there have been moves to deny Masako’s career and her personality based on that. Later, in June 2004, Princess Masako was diagnosed by a doctor as suffering from an adjustment disorder and was placed under medical care.
She said, “Now that Masako has become like that, I am so worried that I can’t sleep at night. Recently, I have more chances to see Masako’s face, but I still worry about her. I can’t believe this is happening. ……”
In these months when there is no prospect for Masako’s complete recovery, her mother, Yumiko Owada, has been expressing her concerns to those around her. She says that she is distressed that no one in the Imperial Household, including the Imperial Household Agency, is willing to protect Princess Masako.
The Crown Prince and his family enjoyed skiing at Okushiga Highlands for about a week from February 14, 2005. This was followed by official business in Nagano, but when Princess Masako became ill from skiing, it was discovered that the Crown Prince’s office was unaware of her condition. The blame for this was placed on the doctors who had authorized the skiing.
