Dateline: 12/01/01
Crown Princess Masako was admitted to the Imperial Household Hospital at night of November 30, 2001 to give birth to her first child, and she gave birth to a baby girl at 2:43 p.m. on December 1, 2001 (Japan Time). It's reported that both the princess and her baby are in good condition.
The baby is the first child for Crown Prince Naruhito and Princess Masako who have been married for about eight and a half years. The princess suffered from a miscarriage in December, 1999. Since the Imperial Household Agency announced the princess's pregnancy in May, Japanese nation has eagerly waited her baby's birth.
It is speculated that a baby boom might come in Japan. Many businesses related to baby products are anticipating an increase in sales. Since the baby is female, the possibility of changing the law to ban a female from inheriting the throne might be debated.
A number of rituals are planned for the royal baby. The first one called shiken-no-gi, which the emperor gives a sword to the baby, has already been held soon after the baby was born.
Japan Photo Gallery / Japan Current News
