I do not think that either of the above posters are saying anything particularly out of turn. The whole situation with regard to the IHA and Crown Princess Masako is extremely complex and the very fact that we know so little of the situation makes it difficult to judge the situation other than what we instinctively feel or, in my case, wish. All we know is that CP Masako has had an "adjustment disorder" and no one is any the wiser as to what exactly that means. Is it depression caused by a restrictive lifestyle? Is it anxiety caused by pressure to produce an male heir? Is it an inherent form of illness we know nothing about?
The fact is, we do not know the full story and it it would be a dreadful shame if people fell out over something they do not know the full details of!
The last years have been awful for me, because I love the Japanese Imperial Family to bits and I have missed Masako dreadfully, worrying about her, concerned for her welfare, health and mental stability. I have hoped and prayed that the IHA were treating her well, looking after her, stepping back and allowing her to breath and have time and save to get better.
I even had this insane idea that Masako should have known what it would be like to be a member of the Imperial family and should have refused marriage to CP Naruhito!
Because of the negative views of the IHA, I worry about Empress Masako endlessly and hope she is as happy as ever she will be.
Ignorant of the truth can be bliss, but it can also be hell!
Anyway, what Chubb Fuddler says is positive, encouraging and helpful to everyone to try and work out what is going and how things currently are with Masako and for that I thank him heartily! She seems fitter, healthier and happier and the possibility that she and the IHA are working better together is great!
The IHA exist, always have done and always will do. I can give no comfort to SElizabeth in this matter, suffice to say that CP Masako has stayed with her husband, has had a beautiful daughter and appears to be getting better. She appears to be getting more support and understanding from the IHA - I don't know how they have handled all this or whether what we hear is true or not or how ill she was or anything. It is one of those rare situations where we can only hope for the good.
The IHA does not need any spin or PR campaigns. So any posts in favour or against the IHA are just a futile exercise in eloquence. The Agency is highly effective and does not do stupid like its European counterparts.
On a different note, an obvious increase in Crown Princess Masako's public appearances may indicate significant improvement in health.
You know I was just about to say that the Imperial Family could always have the British Royal family's advisors - I'm not sure it would have been been much help to Masako though - and the British press certainly wouldn't!
I say three cheers to Masako!!!
