His Majesty, 62, Gives Words of Sympathy to Queen of UK; Feeling Sorry for Mako's Marriage
On the 23rd, His Majesty the Emperor Naruhito celebrated his 62nd birthday, and celebratory events were held at the Imperial Palace.
On the morning of the 23rd, Their Majesties
the Emperor and Empress attended the "Ceremony of Congratulation" to
celebrate the Emperor's birthday at the Imperial Palace. The ceremony started
at 11:00 a.m. and was attended by Prime Minister Kishida, the heads of the
three branches of government, and representatives of foreign ambassadors. After
expressing his gratitude for the celebration, His Majesty said, "I wish
for the happiness of the people and the development of the country, and I also
wish the heads of state of friendly countries good health and happiness for the
people.
According to officials, on the 22nd, His
Majesty conveyed his sympathy to Queen Elizabeth of the United Kingdom, who was
infected with the new coronavirus at the age of 95.
On the 23rd, the Emperor's birthday
celebrations and events involving food and drink were cancelled, and His
Majesty also refrained from greeting the Emperor and Empress Emeritus on his
birthday.
At a press conference held prior to his
birthday, His Majesty expressed his feelings about the marriage of Mako Komuro,
his niece, saying, "It pains me that so many people are worried about her.”
In addition, His Majesty said: "I
believe that the relationship of trust between the people and the Imperial
Family will be built as each member of the Imperial Family fulfills his or her
duties one by one, wishing the happiness of the people, and through repeated heart-to-heart
exchanges with the people.”
During the press conference, he also
expressed his hope that despite the difficulties in people's interaction due to
the Corona disaster, "we will continue to keep the fire of hope burning in
our hearts, and that this will be a year in which people and society can
connect, recognize each other, and support each other beyond the boundaries of
countries and regions.”
Experts believe that His Majesty spoke
about the significance of the existence of the Imperial Family.
Associate Professor Hideya Kawanishi of the
Graduate School of Humanities, Nagoya University, said, "I took the word 'pain'
as a very serious word. There has been criticism over the issue of Mako Komuro.
In the midst of the crisis where the significance of (the Imperial Family's)
existence is not readily apparent due to the Corona issue, I think he is trying
to overcome the crisis to a certain extent by carefully explaining the history
of the emperor and the state of the people.”
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