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Japan awaits birth of royal heir

The people of Japan are eagerly awaiting news from the Imperial Hospital, where the Crown Princess is now preparing for the birth of a Royal heir as Mark Simkin reports.

Princess Masako was driven to the hospital early this morning, according to officials she was showing signs of childbirth, but had not yet gone into labour. The child will be the first for Princess Masako and Crown Prince Naruhito after eight years of marriage. The couple under enormous pressure to have a boy because only males are allowed to ascend to the Chrysanthemum Throne.

1/12/01 15:05:21 | ABC Radio Australia News

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