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Japan's Crown Princess Masako rang in the New Year by marking her return to official duties after a 13-month break. The 41-year-old former career diplomat, who was accompanied to the ceremony by her husband, Crown Prince Naruhito, appeared on the Imperial Palace balcony on Sunday with Emperor Akihito, Empress Michiko and other members of the imperial family.
Dressed in an elegant blue velvet coat, Masako looked relaxed and in good health as she stood alongside recently engaged Princess Sayoko, smiling and waving to thousands of well-wishers who gathered to take part in the traditional New Year celebration.
News that the popular princess would make an appearance seems to have caused a surge in attendance at the annual event. The second January is an important day for the Japanese public - it marks one of two occasions that they are allowed into the grounds of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, the other being Emperor Akihito's birthday.
It was Masako’s first official appearance since she withdrew from public life in December 2003 due to a stress-induced illness stemming from difficulties adapting to life in the Imperial family and the pressure she has been under to bear a son.
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