2009-02-23 04:41:02 -

TOKYO (AP) - Japan's Crown Prince Naruhito vowed at his birthday news conference to ease the load of his 75-year-old father, Emperor Akihito, who has suffered health problems recently.
Naruhito, who turned 49 on Monday, was circumspect on other palace affairs and refused to comment on the debate over his successor between those who want to change the law to allow his daughter to succeed him and those who prefer his brother's son.
The issue has cooled down after the birth of a boy to Naruhito's younger brother, but many still feel a post-World War II law restricting the throne to males should be changed to let Princess Aiko, Naruhito's daughter, follow in her father's footsteps.
Naruhito is first in line after Akihito.
When asked how he could help ease his father's burden in his pre-birthday news conference on Sunday, Naruhito expressed concern but offered no specifics.
«I will do whatever it takes to help improve the situation,» the crown prince said, according to Kyodo.
The prince sidestepped questions about what he would like to see his mission as emperor be, saying only he has no intention of «negating the form of official duties up until this time,» according to Kyodo news and other Japanese media.

The role of the imperial family has come under scrutiny lately because some feel it is too restrictive and demanding, and some have linked that to the health problems suffered by Akihito and others.
Japan's royal family has been hit by illness, with both Naruhito's mother and father cutting back their official appearances because of stress-related illnesses. Naruhito's wife, Princess Masako, has also been kept largely out of the public eye because of a form of depression.
Palace life in Japan is deeply shaped by tradition, and members of the imperial family are rarely able to speak their opinions or show their casual side in public. All questions to the prince, who generally only holds news conferences ahead of birthdays or foreign trips, were submitted to palace officials in advance.