The Emperor issued a statement to convey his thoughts as the New Year began. The following is the full text of the statement, as translated by The Japan News.
Since I was enthroned in May last year after the Emperor Emeritus abdicated, I have spent my days up to this moment performing my duties while praying for the happiness of the people. I am relieved to have finished enthronement-related events without any problems. This past year has been also deeply emotive for both me and the Empress as we met many people from Japan and abroad and had many opportunities to receive warm congratulatory messages.
At the same time, it pains my heart to think of the many precious lives lost because of the typhoons and heavy rain that happened again last year. I am concerned about the many people who lost their homes and have continued to live through hardships as the cold has become intense. May this year become a year free from disasters.
I intend to fulfill my duties while sincerely hoping for the new year to bring happiness to the people of Japan and the people of the world.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
