Japan’s Crown Prince Naruhito is seeking public understanding for his ailing wife, Crown Princess Masako, who is suffering from a stress-induced ailment.

Japan’s new prince, the first male heir to the Chrysanthemum Throne to be born in four decades, was officially named Hisahito today in an age-old imperial rite, national broadcaster NHK said.

Japan’s Princess Kiko has developed complications with her pregnancy and may have to give birth to her third child by Caesarean section, Kyodo News agency reported.

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi today hinted he would not push ahead with a bill allowing women to ascend Japan’s imperial throne.