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Japan's princess may be pregnant
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JAPAN reacted with joy on Monday as the palace announced that Crown Princess Masako appears to be pregnant. If she gives birth to a boy, he would be the first potential heir to the ancient Chrysanthemum Throne born in more than 30 years.
Masako, a graduate of Harvard University and a former diplomat in Japan's Foreign Ministry, wed Crown Prince Naruhito in 1993. She suffered a miscarriage in December 1999, weeks after newspaper reports that she was pregnant touched off a media frenzy about the possibility of Japan finally having a new heir to the throne.
Palace officials were criticized then for announcing the pregnancy too early. Reflecting their extreme caution this time, officials said Monday that a more formal announcement would not be made until there was absolutely no doubt.
But according to reports, Masako could give birth in November or early December. If she has a boy, he would be second in line to the throne after Naruhito, 41, the eldest son of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko.
Japan's imperial family, though decidedly circumspect and low-profile, enjoys a high level of respect among the people. Banned from political involvement since the aftermath of World War II, they are regarded as a symbol of the nation. Their main functions include bestowing cultural and social awards upon outstanding citizens and traveling abroad.
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