JAKARTA - Celebrate the 64th Birthday, Japanese Emperor Naruhito expressed his condolences and prayed for the victims of the devastating earthquake on New Year's Day, January 1, 2024.
Emperor Naruhito also expressed his sympathy to people who lost their homes.
The Emperor expressed his desire to visit the disaster-affected areas of the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, with his wife Queen Masako.
"My heart is really sad for many people who are affected and those who are forced to flee," he said, quoting Antara.
The Emperor added that he hopes that recovery and reconstruction will run smoothly, and would like to express his appreciation to the professional hard workers involved in medical assistance and support efforts.
Reflecting on positive developments over the past year, the emperor alluded to the easing of coronavirus restrictions when the government in May lowered its COVID-19 legal status to the same category as seasonal influenza.
"It was a year when we could clearly see the brilliant development in the process of people's daily lives returning to normal," he said.
The Emperor said he was pleased to continue his duties of attending various ceremonies and events in line with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
"I feel touching moments when I listen to people directly and see their smiles in the places I visit," he said.
In June last year, the emperor visited Iwate Prefecture, northeast of Japan, to attend the national tree planting festival and talk with people who experienced an earthquake and tsunami disaster in March 2011.
"I was touched by their tireless efforts despite facing many challenges," he said.
Regarding his family, he also expressed his gratitude to the Queen Masako after spending 30 years with him, and asked for his ongoing support.
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The empress has been working with stress disorder on self-adjustment since December 2003, when she was still a crown princess and rarely appeared in public. Since becoming an empress, her presence at events and ceremonies has increased.
In a statement last year, doctor Queen Masako noted that she was in the process of recovering, although her condition was uncertain.
The Emperor said he was pleased to hear that their only child, Princess Aiko, 22, had decided to join the Japanese Red Cross in April.
"I hope he will expand his insights more by gaining various experiences," he said.
The Emperor, along with other members of the imperial family, waved at sympathizers from the palace balcony on Friday morning.
Although those who wish to attend do not need to apply in advance, unlike last year, the number of people allowed into each of the three welcoming sessions is limited to 20,000 people to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
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