Asia home page | Asia Breaking News

Visit our special sections for latest developments and analysis:

Excitment builds in Japan over royal birth

Excitement is building in Japan over the imminent birth of a Royal heir.

Tokyo correspondent Mark Simkin reports on what's being described as the country's best news in years.

Crown Princess Masako was driven to a hospital inside the Imperial Palace grounds to prepare for the birth early this morning. The birth of a Royal heir is a hugely anticipated event in Japan and the Japanese media immediately went into a reporting frenzy. If the child is a boy, he will be second in line to the Chrysthanemum Throne. If the child is a girl, there's likely to be debate about changing the law to allow a female monarch. Mark Simkin, Tokyo.

1/12/01 16:51:06 | ABC Radio Australia News

More Asia Breaking News 12/12/01 4:49:41 Fighters loyal to Osama bin-Laden reportedly agree to surrender 12/12/01 4:49:29 Asian Development Bank loans 400 million to India for roads & infrastr 12/12/01 4:49:43 Thai officials say poverty in Thailand has grown by almost 50 percent 12/12/01 4:49:30 South Korea calls on Cambodian King to help resolve conflict with Nort 12/12/01 4:49:33 Talks on trade dispute between Japan and China end without solution 12/12/01 4:49:36 Six people killed in Indian-administered Kashmir

Back

Related Stories

1/12/01 18:25:51
Baby girl for Japan's Crown Princess

1/12/01 15:05:21
Japan awaits birth of royal heir

1/12/01 11:39:48
Third case of mad cow disease in Japan

1/12/01 11:39:44
Japan prepares for royal birth

Related Sites

World News from Radio Australia
News across Asia, the Pacific and beyond.