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CNN Saturday Morning News

Japan's Crown Princess Delivers Baby Girl

Aired December 01, 2001 - 07:15   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN ANCHOR: Japan's crown princess delivered a baby girl today.

As CNN's Lisa Barron reports, the birth has set off celebrations and a call for change.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

LISA BARRON, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): At long last, a baby for Japan's Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Mosako. It is the first child for the prince and princess after more than eight years of marriage.

As the eldest son of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, the 41- year-old crown prince is heir to the Chrysanthemum Throne. Under Japanese law, only men can ascend the throne, which is the oldest in the world.

(on camera): The birth of a royal baby girl is likely to intensify the debate over whether to change the law to allow a female to ascend the throne and avoid a potential succession crisis. On the streets of Tokyo, nearly everyone we spoke to welcomed the arrival of the newest member of the imperial family and favored making her an empress-in-waiting.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (through translator): I do not care whether it is a girl or a boy. I think a change in the law might be better, as we will have a direct line to the throne.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (through translator): I think having a healthy baby is important. We are faced with declining birth rate, and I think we should think of equality between boy and girl.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): I think a change might be nice, as we have example of the royal family in England, like a queen.

BARRON: News of the royal birth is also providing a cause for celebration in a country that is entering its fourth recession in a decade.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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