KYODO NEWS




 

Emperor Naruhito offered greetings Thursday in his New Year's address, expressing hope for a peaceful year while voicing concern for people affected by natural disasters.

Accompanied by his wife Empress Masako and other members of the imperial family, the 64-year-old emperor waved to thousands of well-wishers from behind the windows of a balcony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

"I am concerned about the many people who are still living a life full of hardships," he said, noting the massive earthquake in the Noto Peninsula region of central Japan on New Year's Day in 2024 as well as other natural disasters in the country.

 

"I hope this year will be a peaceful and good year," the emperor said. "I wish for the happiness of people in our country and around the world."

Former Empress Michiko, 90, who underwent surgery for a broken right femur in October, also attended the event without using a cane.
The event was canceled last year due to the major quake.