TOKYO: Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako expressed deep emotion as the couple marked the 30th anniversary of their marriage on Friday.

“We have deep emotion” about the anniversary, the Imperial couple said in a written message to media organizations.

The couple said, “We feel a sense of deep gratitude” as they have lived together so far while sharing joy and sorrow with each other.

Japan has experienced massive disasters over the past three decades while the COVID-19 pandemic has heavily impacted society over the past three years, the Emperor and the Empress said.

They said that while they are relieved to see COVID-19 infections calm down, “we’re concerned about the plight of people facing continued difficulties.”

On their first trip to northeastern Japan areas affected by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami since the Emperor was enthroned in 2019, the couple said, “We were impressed by steady progress in reconstruction through people’s continuous efforts and cooperation.”

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako said they aim to continue to pray for the people’s happiness and fulfil their duties while cooperating with each other as Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko did.

The Emperor and the Empress said they will continue to uphold the importance of the Imperial Family sharing joy and sorrow with the people.

Referring to the couple’s only child, Princess Aiko, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako said everything that she studies and experiences leads to their own new learning.

JIJI Press