Japan princes in public dispute

Prince Akishino said he was surprised by his brother's comments

Japan's Crown Prince Naruhito was wrong to publicly complain about palace life without discussing it with the family first, his younger brother has said.

Prince Akishino said he and his father, the emperor, were shocked when Prince Naruhito blamed palace officials in May for his wife's ongoing stress disorder.

Princess Masako, a former diplomat, has not performed public duties for a year.

Her stress-related disorder has apparently been caused by palace life and pressure to produce a male heir.

Prince Akishino made the unprecedented move of publicly criticising his brother, the heir to the throne, during a press conference to mark his 39th birthday.

"I myself was surprised at the remarks in no small measure, and I heard the emperor was also very surprised," he said.

SUCCESSION PRESSURES Only males can ascend the Japanese throne If Prince Naruhito died without a male heir, his brother, Prince Akishino, succeeds But he has no sons either Princess trapped by palace guard

"Before making the remarks at a news conference, I think he should have at least discussed the contents with the emperor. I think it's regrettable," he added.

Analysts said it was extremely unusual for members of Japan's imperial family to criticise each other in public.

The prince's wife, Princess Kiko, who was also a commoner when she married, admitted that she also felt disorientated when she entered the royal household.

"After my marriage, there were many new tasks and customs that I experienced for the first time, and I did feel anxious and confused," she said.

Prince Naruhito's comments caused a stir when he made them in May. He accused the Imperial Household of denying Princess Masako the chance to lead a more varied life.

The Imperial Household Agency announced in July that the princess, 40, was suffering from Adjustment Disorder, a mental condition brought on by stress.

Princess Masako has a daughter, Aiko, who is three on Wednesday. But she is under pressure to give birth to a boy because only males can succeed to the Japanese throne.

She was a successful Harvard-educated career diplomat before she entered the Imperial Household.