The tale of two princesses
Straits times/ Aug20
Everyone would dream of becoming a royalty as it is packaged with fame, wealth and power. However, living the life of one is not as simple as it is. In Japan, the monarchy system still remains, like those in the United Kingdom and in Russia. However, due to the Asian culture in Japan, the imperial family is far more traditionally bound compared to those in the European countries. As such it is not surprising when two princesses (Kiko and Masako) underwent tremendous stress in adapting to the life in the imperial household. In addition, they are only valued by their families when they are able to conceive a male as heir to their monarchy.

In my opinion, gender discrimination is obviously portrayed here. Women here are made to be seen as servants to their husbands and having to constraint themselves to many activities. An example is when girls are not allowed to take over the throne. Despite how intelligent these women are, like Masako whom was a Harvard diplomat, it did not change how the public perceived her to be. The fact in Asian culture that women would remain inferior to man is such an unjustifiable act.