Empress turns 57 Expresses grief over coronavirus, disaster in Kyushu

Th e Empr e s s celebrated her 57th birthday on Wednesday and made her feelings public in writing. Looking back on the year, she wrote that it was “deeply painful” to see the world has been hit hard by the novel coronavirus pandemic. “It is my sincere hope that all of us will work together to overcome this ordeal while reaching out to those who are suffering from difficulties.” A celebratory event that had been scheduled for Wednesday was canceled due to the current infection situation.

“It’s quite distressing to see so many people suffering and dying from the infection,” she wrote in her remarks. She expressed her gratitude to medical workers, who have a strong sense of responsibility to treat infected people, saying, “I am humbled by their efforts.” She also expressed her concern about economic hardship, discrimination against infected people and medical workers, and child abuse, writing, “I sincerely hope that everyone can live a peaceful life.”

She also conveyed her condolences to the victims of the torrential rains in Kyushu in July, and her sympathy to the bereaved families and victims. (Dec. 10)

MESSAGE ON VIDEO

The Emperor’s message to the people at the beginning of the year, which is usually delivered directly to the general public gathered at the Imperial Palace, will be released in a video message, the Imperial Household Agency announced

Thursday.

This decision was made after the New Year Greeting at the palace scheduled on Jan. 2 was canceled because of the novel coronavirus pandemic. It will be the Emperor’s first time to deliver a video message to the public.

In addition to the New Year Greeting, the coronavirus crisis has led to a dramatic decrease in opportunities for the Emperor to interact with the public, making it more significant that he has decided to express his feelings via a video message.

According to a senior official of the agency, the video message will be recorded in advance and released on Jan. 1 or 2. The Emperor is expected to refer to the daily lives of people suffering amid the pandemic.

During the Heisei era, the Emperor Emeritus delivered video messages to the public about the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011 and about his duties as the symbol of the state in August 2016. (Dec. 12)

Courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency The Empress takes part in a photo shoot at her residence in the Akasaka Imperial Palace in Minato Ward, Tokyo, on Dec. 3.