Is the new Japanese empress able to accompany her husband on official duties? She had earlier been labeled a shut-in by the Japanese press.?

The Imperial Household Agency, rule supreme and the Imperial Family's life is mapped out for each member months and for some events, years in advance. The Empress Emerita Michiko, was so traumatised by the Imperial Household that she lost the power of speech for some considerable time. Masako was treated no differently, even given a diet and a timetable to have sex with her husband, in order to have a male heir, it is as relentless as it is ruthless.

The Empress hasn't been a "shut-in" for some years.  She suffered from depression for some time, partly brought on by pressure to produce a male heir, but she's been out and about fairly regularly for quite a while now. It helped that her brother-in-law and his wife did manage to have a son, so the pressure on her was lifted.

That book is YEARS old.  It was published in 2006/2007. You might have bothered to check.

She can and she does, however she is still receiving treatment for her mental health. 

She has accompanied her husband on official duties. Masako did suffer from depression caused by many factors, not having a son, the oppressive nature of the Japanese monarchy....