Japan's Crown Princess Masako, just out of the hospital for a viral
infection, marked a quiet 40th birthday Tuesday out of the public eye.
Masako was hospitalized for five days after being diagnosed with herpes
zoster, commonly known as shingles. Caused by the same virus that induces
chickenpox, it typically results in pain and rashes.
She was released and brought home by her husband, Crown Prince Naruhito, late
Monday.
Masako did not have any celebrations planned and was holding off on all
official duties to allow her to rest, the Imperial Household Agency said.
Palace officials also decided to forego the customary press conference
usually given by the royals to mark their birthdays.
Shingles is usually not dangerous and is often induced by stress and fatigue.
The popular princess has occasionally alluded to the pressures of royal life,
at times facing media scrutiny since her marriage to Naruhito in 1993. Amid
intense public pressure to produce a royal heir, she had a miscarriage before
giving birth to their first child, Princess Aiko, in December 2001.
Empress Michiko was hospitalized for about a week in July 1997 for the same
condition.
