Simon Denyer Akiko Kashiwagi The Washington Post

Two kitchen knives have been found on the school desk of a young Japanese prince who one day stands to inherit the Chrysanthemum Throne, heightening security fears and underlining the vulnerability of a royal family short on male heirs.

It was supposed to a period of joyous national celebration, the 10-day Golden Week public holiday extended this year to celebrate the ascension of a new emperor to the Chrysanthemum Throne. So why are so many people miserable and stressed?

Two kitchen knives have been found on the school desk of a young Japanese prince who one day stands to inherit the Chrysanthemum Throne, heightening security fears and underlining the vulnerability of a royal family short on male heirs.

It was supposed to a period of joyous national celebration, the 10-day Golden Week public holiday extended this year to celebrate the ascension of a new emperor to the Chrysanthemum Throne. So why are so many people miserable and stressed?