Japan’s Naruhito mourns quake victims
TOKYO: Japan’s Emperor Naruhito made his first speech to the nation since a deadly earthquake hit the north-central region of Koto, with a message marking his 64th birthday on Friday.
The ceremonial monarch expressed grief for people affected by the January 1 earthquake, praying for their recovery and saying he hoped to visit the region to console them.
Naruhito’s last scheduled national address, an annual New Year event, was canceled because of the quake. The emperor and his wife have not yet visited the disaster zone.
The palace told NHK Television that the couple feared a visit would disrupt recovery efforts, and are currently planning a trip in late March.
Cheering well-wishers gathered at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo despite the cold, rainy weather.
“I would like once again to express my condolences to those who lost their lives in the Noto Peninsula earthquake last month and to convey my heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved families and those who were affected by the disaster,” Naruhito said, accompanied by his wife, Empress Masako, their only child Aiko and other relatives.
“I wish every one of you a peaceful spring.” The magnitude 7.6 quake on New Year’s Day killed 241 people and drove more than 12,000 people from their homes. Nine people are still missing. Naruhito, in a pre-recorded press conference released Friday, also said he hoped to visit the area with Masako when the local situation allows.
“The difficult situation is continuing, but I sincerely hope many people will provide support for the steady progress of recovery and reconstruction,” Naruhito said.
Naruhito, who will mark the fifth anniversary of his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne on May 1, said he has sought to stay as close to the people as possible.
Since the Noto earthquake, he has made only one other public appearance, at an event marking the 150th anniversary of the Tokyo police in mid-January.
Naruhito also acknowledged that the number of royals who can perform public duties is on the decline. The Japanese emperor is not allowed to comment on politics.