Masako (1963–)

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Masako (1963–)

Japanese crown princess. Born Masako Owada, Dec 9, 1963, in Tokyo, Japan; dau. of a diplomat; graduate of Harvard University, 1985; attended University of Tokyo and Balliol College at Oxford University; m. Crown Prince Naruhito (son of Emperor Akihoto), June 9, 1993; children: daughter Princess Aiko (b. Dec 1, 2001).

The second commoner married into the Japanese imperial household, grew up in Moscow, New York and Tokyo because of her father's diplomatic postings; began career in Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1987); with the constant pressure of producing an heir, suffered from a miscarriage (Dec 1999) which left her depressed; since her marriage, has maintained a low profile.