I guess I was out of touch. I didn't even know the Princess was pregnant. A boy was born September 5th at 8:27 a.m. and weighed 5.64 pounds according to the Imperial Household Agency. Mother and child are said to be in good condition. Princess Kiko had been under considerable stress last year, said to be at least partially attributable to not having produced a male heir. A 1947 law allows only males to ascend the throne.
This is the 3rd child for the royal couple - a rare situation in Japan today. The average children per couple is 1.25 and the population is dropping. This has led to concerns about labor shortages in future and who will take care of the aging population. Thank goodness that Prince Akishino and Princess Miko are doing their part to avert this new crisis...
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