Naruhito and Masako, who are well educated and realize what can be achieved through science, cannot be leaving things to chance, she reckons.

CNN: AN HEIR OF CHANGE IN JAPAN

In the past, Naruhito often brushed aside questions about prospects of a baby with the quip that he would leave those matters to the stork.

CNN: AN HEIR OF CHANGE IN JAPAN

Had the child been a boy, the royal bundle would be second in line for the throne, behind his father, Prince Naruhito, who is 41.

ECONOMIST: A royal baby starts a debate about women's prospects