Empress Michiko joyfully holding one-year-old Hiro Upon receiving the news of the safe birth, the Crown Prince immediately rushed to the hospital. Carrying Empress Michiko’s favorite flowers—Erica, Silver-leaf Acacia, and Spiraea—in his arms, he also presented a cute teddy bear, saying, “This is a reward,” in appreciation of her efforts. On the fifth day after the birth, Empress Michiko breastfed directly. Her milk was abundant, allowing Prince Shingu to drink his fill. His growth progressed smoothly. Empress Michiko abolished the use of wet nurses, becoming the first in the Imperial Family to personally breastfeed her child. As a new father, the Crown Prince visited the hospital every day until Empress Michiko was discharged. He watched the breastfeeding, held Prince Shingu, and recorded everything on an 8mm video, keeping busy in the joy of his new role. Shortly after Prince Shingu’s birth, Empress Michiko expressed the emotions of breastfeeding in a poem: Hiro’s BirthMilk’s whiteness overflowing,Life in the child’s crimson lips. Empress Michiko was discharged on March 12, a calm and warm day. Accompanied by all the staff, she returned to the temporary residence smiling, holding Prince Shingu. From then on, the family of three would live together and raise their child—a first in the Imperial Family for parents to personally nurture their child. Sweat shone on the foreheads of the photographers crowding in front of the hospital. For the citizens who wished to see Prince Shingu and for the hardworking photographers, Empress Michiko kindly kept the car window open for a while, making it easier for them to take photos. References: Empress Michiko’s Poetry Collection: Seoto (Daito Publishing), Crown Prince Hiro: Raising Empress Michiko’s Child by Hisashi Sato (Banchō Shobo), Crown Prince Hiro: Ten Years of Strong, Robust Upbringing by Minoru Hamao (PHP Institute)