Japan princess misses school for a month for health reasons

Palace officials said Wednesday the 14-year-old Princess Aiko has been staying home since Sept. 26, after complaining of stomach problems and dizziness attributed to fatigue from studying for exams and practicing for an athletic event at her junior high school.

Aiko is the only child of Crown Prince Naruhito, next in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne, and his wife Masako, who has been suffering from a stress-related mental condition for more than 10 years.

Officials say Nobutake Odano, the grand master at Naruhito's palace, told reporters Tuesday that Aiko is recovering but needs more time before returning to school.