"I think the agency will consider the matter," Hosoda said at a news conference, after Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said June 21 the family is too busy with public duties.

Since Crown Prince Naruhito's unusual remarks in May, media reports have alleged the Crown Princess is in a state of depression.

On June 18, the agency tried to brush aside such reports, with Hideki Hayashida, grand master of the Crown Prince's Household, saying they "are speculative and are not true."

Hosoda added that the premier meant the whole Imperial family, not only the princess.

The Japan Times Weekly: June 26, 2004
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