Japanese Crown Princess Masako emerged briefly on Saturday from months of seclusion to visit the emperor, but officials said it might be difficult for her to resume her official duties this year.
Masako, who the palace said in July was suffering from stress-related depression caused by having to adjust to royal life, was accompanied by Crown Prince Naruhito for the short trip, her first venture outside palace grounds for around four months.
Television footage showed the 40-year-old princess smiling and bowing from behind the car window as she and Naruhito were driven from the palace where they live to the nearby residence of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko.
"I believe she went to thank the emperor and empress for their good wishes and hopes for her recovery during her illness," said a spokesman at the Imperial Household Agency, which handles the royal family's affairs.
Akihito, who had surgery for prostate cancer last year, began hormone treatment in July.