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Japan Emperor turns 62, confident COVID-19 will be overcome

Japanese Emperor Naruhito. (AFP)
Japanese Emperor Naruhito. (AFP)
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23 Feb 2022 02:02:24 GMT9
23 Feb 2022 02:02:24 GMT9

TOKYO: Japanese Emperor Naruhito, who turned 62 on Wednesday, has expressed his confidence in people’s abilities to overcome the prolonged COVID-19 crisis.

“I firmly believe that people can overcome the current tough situation with patience by caring for each other, sharing the pain and continuing efforts to support each other,” the Emperor told a news conference held in the Shakkyo-no-Ma drawing room of the Imperial Palace.

This marked his first press conference at the palace since he ascended the throne in 2019. A press conference for Emperor Naruhito’s birthday was previously held at the Akasaka Imperial Residence, from which his family moved into their new residence at the Imperial Palace last year.

In the past year, he could not make trips to meet people and attend events. However, the number of his online meetings with people increased to 11 from four the previous year.

He interacted online with residents of the three northeastern prefectures hit hardest by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami and participated in a tree-planting festival and other events remotely.

The internet is “an effective means to connect us with people in the country and the rest of the world in the current circumstances where infections have not been brought under control,” the Emperor said, indicating his wish to use online platforms even after the pandemic depending on the situation.

Asked about Okinawa Prefecture, southernmost Japan, which will mark the 50th anniversary of its return to the country in May, the Emperor said Okinawa people have overcome very many hardships and that the fact must not be forgotten.

On his daughter, Princess Aiko, who turned 20 in December last year to reach the age of majority, he said he felt relieved as related events were held without major trouble.

Emperor Naruhito said he is sorry that many people were worried over former Princess Mako’s marriage to commoner Kei Komuro last year. She is the first daughter of Crown Prince Akishino, the Emperor’s younger brother, and Crown Princess Kiko.

Regarding magazine reports and online posts, some of which are believed to have affected the former princess’ health condition, the Emperor said they are released as part of activities that should be respected as basic human rights guaranteed under the Constitution.

But it is also necessary to always keep in mind that expressions of opinion may hurt someone, he added.

JIJI Press

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