Empress celebrates 72nd birthday

Empress Michiko, on the occasion of her 72nd birthday on Friday, expressed her wish that the imperial family's new heir to the throne, Prince Hisahito, would receive loving care and lead a healthy life.

"All I wish for is that he be kept safe in the loving care of his parents, his older sisters and other people around him, and that he grows up strong and healthy," the empress said in a written reply to questions from the Imperial Household Agency press corps. The empress was reticent about her views on the positions she expects young female imperial family members to assume. She said she would rather not comment because various discussions are taking place on what to do with the Imperial House Law, which bars women from the throne.