Masako, Crown Princess of Japan, Receives Treatment for Stress

The Imperial Household of Japan revealed the truth behind the sudden absence of the Crown Princess Masako, since she hasn't been seen for the past 12 years. A statement was released confirming that the Crown Princess "has been receiving treatment for a stress-induced illness," People reported.

The 52-year old, who celebrated a birthday last week, is the daughter of a Japanese diplomat. After marrying the Crown Prince Naruhito in 1993, she was allegedly pressured to conceive a male heir to the throne, shortly after the nuptuals. Unfortunately, the princess miscarried in 1990, due to stress and finally, eleven years later gave birth to Princess Aiko, the Imperial couple's only child. For now, the regal line is succeeded by males only. Laws have not been changed to accomodate the young princess.

The once "sporty and outgoing" Harvard University graduate began to fade away from public life. In a protest, her husband was said to have left protocal, criticizing the treatment of his wife by the Imperial household. According to WSJ Asia, Masako was diagnosed with an "adjustment disorder" in 2004 and until 2013, has not been seen often in the public.

Now, the princess is getting acclaimated to society again. In July, she went to Tonga on an official visit. In October she met with locals of the nuclear disaster and last month, attended a bi-annual garden party hosted by in-laws, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko.

The medical team responsible for her care says, "We believe that it is desirable and encouraging for the princess to slowly and steadily increase the number of official duties." They are also careful not to overwhelm her since her condition is fragile. "Taking care of my health, I have tried to fulfill my public and private duties as much as possible this year. With the help of people around me, I would like to continue making efforts to recover," says the Crown Princess in a statement. We wish the Crown Princess a steady recovery.