InsideJapan News Network

Crown Princess Masako performed her first official duty outside Tokyo for more than a year yesterday (April 20th).

The royal, who is being treated for an adjustment disorder, joined her husband Crown Prince Naruhito at a greenery event in Yokohama, reports the Japan Times.

Masako last travelled outside the Japanese capital in January 2008 when she attended the opening ceremony of the winter national sports festival in Nagano Prefecture.

Speaking at Sunday's event, which aimed to demonstrate the role of greenery in improving metropolitan areas and tackling global warming, the Crown Prince commented: "I hope everyone involved in various activities throughout the nation will deepen mutual exchanges and renew their feeling of protecting and nurturing greenery."

The couple planted memorial cherry trees during the visit.

Recently, Japan's emperor and empress celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

The country's monarchy is the oldest in the world.

Written by Susan Ballion


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