Japan’s Crown Princess Masako yesterday pledged to do her best despite feeling ‘insecure’ about becoming empress in mere months, in a candid statement released on her 55th birthday.

Emperor Akihito will step down on April 30, 2019 -- the first abdication in the Japanese imperial family in more than two centuries.

His eldest son and Masako’s husband Naruhito will ascend to the throne the next day.

“Even though I feel insecure about how helpful I will be when I think about the days ahead... I want to devote myself to the happiness of the people so I will make an effort to that end,” said the crown princess.