Japan's crown princess Masako has baby girl

Crown Princess Masako gave birth today to a baby girl and, as Japan celebrated, court messengers placed by its pillow the sword and deep purple robes of silk that are the symbols of its lofty position.

But while the nation cheered the arrival of the newest member of its ancient royal family, a long-brewing controversy was certain to heat up in the months ahead under a postwar law, only males can assume the throne.