TOKYO. Japan’s Emperor Naruhito addressed the nation for the first time since a devastating earthquake struck the north-central region of Koto, delivering a solemn message on the occasion of his 64th birthday on Friday.
Expressing sorrow for the victims of the Jan. 1 earthquake, the ceremonial monarch offered prayers for their recovery and expressed his intention to visit the affected region to provide solace. Naruhito’s previously scheduled national address, typically held as part of the annual New Year’s event, was canceled in the aftermath of the quake. Neither the emperor nor Empress Masako have yet visited the disaster-stricken area. The Imperial Palace informed NHK Television that the couple postponed their visit to avoid disrupting ongoing recovery efforts, with plans now underway for a trip in late March.
Despite the cold and rainy weather, a crowd of well-wishers gathered at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to hear the emperor’s words of condolence. Accompanied by Empress Masako, their daughter Aiko, and other relatives, Naruhito conveyed his condolences to the victims of the Noto Peninsula earthquake and extended his sympathy to the affected families.
“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 from the balcony. “I wish every one of you a peaceful spring.”
The magnitude 7.6 earthquake on New Year’s Day claimed the lives of 241 individuals and displaced over 12,000 residents from their homes, with nine individuals still unaccounted for. Reconstruction efforts have been sluggish in the predominantly rural area, characterized by an aging population and renowned for its Wajima lacquerware and other traditional handicrafts.
In a video released by the Imperial Household Agency on Friday, Naruhito and Masako were seen admiring lacquerware boxes from Noto, with a large round lacquer tray and a Suzu pottery vase, both originating from the region, positioned behind them.
In a pre-recorded press conference also released on Friday, Naruhito expressed his hope to visit the area alongside Masako once local conditions permit. He urged for continued support towards the steady progress of recovery and reconstruction efforts amidst the ongoing challenges.
Since the Noto earthquake, Naruhito has made only one other public appearance, attending an event commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Tokyo police in mid-January. He also acknowledged the declining number of royals capable of performing public duties.
With the imperial household rapidly diminishing due to inheritance rules that restrict succession to males and expel female royals who marry outside the family, Naruhito currently has only two potential successors — his brother Akishino, 58, and his nephew Hisahito, 17. The situation has sparked debates regarding the future of Japan’s monarchy, with calls for reforms to allow female royals to retain their status within the family or inherit the throne.
“The situation is a matter that is related to the future of the Imperial Family,” Naruhito remarked, refraining from commenting on the system, as Japanese emperors are prohibited from engaging in political discourse.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
