Crown Princess Masako turns 44

Crown Princess Masako said she has been able to gradually expand the scope of her official duties in the past year as she marked her 44th birthday Sunday. "I appreciate, above all, that many people gave me a warm welcome at the places I have visited, and it has encouraged me significantly," Crown Princess Masako said in a statement issued ahead of her birthday.

"Although there were ups and downs in the health of the crown princess in the past year, she has made sincere efforts with a strong will to work hard and positively," the Imperial Household Agency said, quoting a team of doctors looking after the crown princess, who is suffering from a stress-induced illness. The doctors said that increasing her activities is "very meaningful for her treatment" as it will increase the crown princess' confidence that is needed for her recovery.