A new baby is always cause for rejoicing, but the birth of a child to the Crown Prince and Princess on Saturday comes as especially bright news at this somber time. In an instant, the symbolic value of the monarchy -- sometimes doubted or forgotten -- becomes clear again. For a brief, shining moment, people will set aside anxieties about terrorism, war and recession to contemplate simpler, happier things. In that spirit, we join the whole nation in congratulating the new parents, and all the members of the Imperial family, on the safe arrival of the baby princess.

Primary among the general feelings of rejoicing is relief. For several years after the Crown Prince and Princess were married in 1993, there was concern that the Crown Princess would be unable to bear a child at all. This concern was compounded by disappointment when, having at last become pregnant, the Crown Princess suffered a miscarriage in December 1999. That loss was attributed at the time mainly to the media frenzy she was forced to endure throughout her pregnancy.

This time, following an appeal from the Imperial Household Agency, the media were more restrained. Their discipline and courtesy were greatly appreciated both by the anxious parents and the general public, who as much as anyone felt the Crown Princess was entitled to privacy and decorum during this important time. Fortunately, as the doctors had predicted, the Crown Princess indeed proved capable of bearing this child.