Crown Princess Masako, who continues to limit her official duties due to a stress-induced illness, celebrated her 46th birthday Wednesday and vowed to keep up her recovery efforts.
"I would like to continue my efforts to recover, with the help of people around me," the Crown Princess said in a statement released by the Imperial Household Agency.
"Under the guidance of my doctor, I have been doing my best, step by step, to regain my health, mentally and physically," she said.
The wife of Crown Prince Naruhito — the eldest son of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko — has refrained from most of her official duties since the agency announced in December 2003 that she is suffering from a stress-related illness. She was diagnosed with an adjustment disorder in July 2004.
The Crown Princess also thanked the Emperor, Empress and Crown Prince, as well as the people of Japan, for their support.
"I am deeply grateful that their majesties have always been looking after me carefully, and I also appreciate the encouragement and support I receive from the Crown Prince every day," she said, adding that encouragement from other people is a great help in her recovery.
Usually, a team of doctors assigned to the Crown Prince's household releases a statement on the Crown Princess' birthday to give people an update on her health and treatment. But the doctors have decided to postpone the announcement this year.
"It has taken longer (than usual) to prepare the statement because we have been trying to give explanations in an easy-to-understand manner," an official said.
The Crown Princess also mentioned her 8-year-old daughter, Princess Aiko, who started second grade in April at Gakushuin Primary School.
"I am really happy that she has been growing while enjoying her school life very much," she said.