Japan crown prince vows close public ties as Akihito abdication looms

Japan's Emperor-in-waiting Naruhito has pledged to maintain the royal household's close ties to the public as he prepares to assume the throne in about two months with a "solemn feeling".

At a press conference earlier this week to mark his 59th birthday, Crown Prince Naruhito also asked the public to "warmly" monitor the gradual recovery of his wife Crown Princess Masako, who has struggled for years with a stress-related illness.

"When I think about the time ahead, I have a very solemn feeling," he said in the press conference, released Saturday.

"As (the current emperor and empress) have done, I wish to be always close to the people and share the joys as well as the sorrows to fulfil my duty as a symbol of the state."
"But, while watching her health, Masako will continue her efforts to get better. So I hope the Japanese people will warmly continue to monitor her recovery."