(Full Text) Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress 2021 New Year's Video Message

 


On the first day of the New Year, His Majesty the Emperor of Japan sent out a video message to start the New Year, expressing his thoughts for those who are facing the new coronavirus as he did last year.

His Majesty the Emperor's video message was made in response to the fact that the New Year's General Meeting of the Imperial Family will not be held this year, as it was last year, to prevent the spread of the disease.

The six-minute video, released by the Imperial Household Agency at 5:30 a.m., begins with a New Year's greeting by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress.

After this, His Majesty the Emperor spoke about the effects of the new coronavirus, saying that his heart breaks for the many people who have lost their jobs or fallen into　difficult living conditions, and that he hopes that many warm hands will be extended to those who need help.

“I sincerely hope that we can overcome this difficult situation by sharing the pain and supporting each other, while learning from the past experiences and continuing our efforts to combat infectious diseases, and further cherishing our relationships with each other,”he said.

His Majesty the Emperor concluded his speech by saying, "I sincerely hope that this year will be a good year for all of you, in which you can move forward with bright hopes and dreams.

In their video message, Her Majesty the Empress also said, "Many of you may have been suffering from the cold wave since the end of the year. I hope you will all take good care of yourselves.

This year's video message is available with subtitles for the hearing impaired to understand.

 

The full text of the video message is as follows (honorifics omitted in the text).

 

(Εmperor)

Happy New Year, everyone.

 

(Empress)

Congratulations.

(Emperor)

This New Year's Day, due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection, I regret to inform you that I will not be able to speak directly to you at the General Meeting of the People. Therefore, I would like to give you my New Year's greetings via video.

Looking back, it was tragic that so many precious lives were lost due to the torrential rains last July. My heart goes out to those who lost their family members and those who lost their homes and are now living in temporary housing with much hardship.

 

In the past year, we have been faced with various difficulties and challenges due to the spread of a new coronavirus, an unknown virus on a scale that most of us living in this age have never experienced before. Many people around the world and in Japan have lost their lives, and I can only imagine the grief of the families who have lost their loved ones.

 

Under such circumstances, I would like to express my deepest respect and gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals who have devoted themselves day and night to medical activities in order to save the lives of many patients. At the same time, I am concerned about the recent situation where the spread of infection has put pressure on the medical field and the burden on medical personnel has become even more severe.

In addition, I believe that the efforts and hardships of infectious disease control specialists and public health workers who are working hard to prevent the spread of infection, as well as the many facilities and citizens who are cooperating in various ways, are very significant.

This infectious disease has drastically changed our daily lives. In particular, I am concerned about the people who have been affected by the spread of the disease and have been placed in difficult situations for various reasons, such as losing their jobs and homes, or becoming lonely. I feel the difficulty of balancing the prevention of the spread of infectious diseases with social and economic activities. I am also concerned about the problems of discrimination and prejudice against those who are infected, those who are engaged in medical care, and their families. On the other hand, I am encouraged by the efforts and dedication of those who are working to support those who are facing difficulties.

We, the human race, have suffered many terrible epidemics and major natural disasters in the past. However, each time we have overcome these ordeals with unity and perseverance. In this difficult time, I sincerely hope that everyone will continue to help and support each other with compassion, believing that the day will come in the not too distant future when people will be able to live with peace of mind, with firm hopes for the future.

 

Since our accession to the throne, we have been hoping to have extensive contact with you. We are looking forward to the day when the new coronavirus infection is under control and we can meet with you in person again.

 

I sincerely hope that this year will be a year in which you can walk forward with hope. I pray for the peace, happiness, and tranquility of our country and the people of the world.

 

(Empress)

I am sure that many of you have had a very difficult time in the past year. I sincerely hope that this year will be a peaceful one for all of you.

 

Also, this winter, we have been hit by severe cold and heavy snowfall in many places early. I hope you all take good care of yourselves.
場所: Japan

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