Empress Michiko, who turned 79 on Sunday, expressed joy over Crown Princess Masako's first official overseas trip in 11 years.
"I was truly happy that the Crown Princess was able to visit the Netherlands and return home safely," the Empress said, referring to the princess' visit with Crown Prince Naruhito in April to attend Dutch Prince Willem-Alexander's coronation.
"I am glad to see that since the visit, she has continued to be well, visiting disaster-afflicted areas and even attending ceremonies together with the Crown Prince," the Empress said in her response to written questions from reporters.