Battling stress, Japanese princess turns 44

0 Comments | AFP, December, 2007

TOKYO (AFP) — Japanese crown princess Masako said Sunday in a 44th birthday message that she was trying to take on more public duties as she battles to overcome a stress disorder.

Masako, a former diplomat educated in the United States and Britain, has been fighting stress as she tries to fit in with the world's oldest monarchy, and had made few public appearances in recent years.

The scope of her outings has expanded in the past year but she has not yet returned to ritual ceremonies at the palace sanctuary.

In her message, she voiced appreciation for the medical and psychological help she has received from her family and the public.

"I want to reiterate my thanks to the Japanese people for their concerns and show of their warm feeling," she said....