It is a tale of unmitigated sorrow of a woman who made a very personal choice under great duress at the age of 30 to marry a prince.
(Princess Masako: Prisoner of the Chrysanthemum Throne by Ben Hills) The phrase “lived happily ever after” as many modern married couples will tell you exists only in fairy tale books.
It is all the more true when it comes to royal households, especially in the 20th and 21st centuries. This book by Australian journalist Ben Hills is a compelling read, simply because Crown Prince Naruhito will be the next Emperor of Japan in due course.
His wife, Masako Owada, is the central figure or subject of great interest in the book. Her upbringing, background and impressive academic credentials are factors behind the heavily veiled goings-on in Japan’s Chrysanthemum Throne which has been in existence for 2,600 years.
It is the oldest hereditary monarchy in the Japan so one can understand why royal traditions and decorum are strictly adhered to under all circumstances.
Tears in the Chrysanthemum Palace
