The agency is said to have one concern above all: continuing the imperial line. Masako, 40, gave birth to a daughter two years ago, but the law says only a son can inherit the Chrysanthemum Throne. The palace staff seems convinced that the best way to help the princess is to make sure she gets as much rest as possible–even if she has to be kept a virtual prisoner. Since her wedding in 1993, the previously peripatetic Masako has made only five trips out of the country. “In the past 10 years Masako, who gave up her career as a diplomat to marry me, did everything possible to adjust to the environment of the royal family,” the prince said. “This has exhausted her.” Surveys say 70 percent of the public thinks the law should be changed to let a daughter become emperor. So far, the agency is having none of it.
