Emperor Naruhito celebrating his 61st birthday with Empress Masako. (Image via Japan Today)

Turning 61, Emperor Naruhito thanks people of Japan amid COVID-19

Turning 61 on Tuesday, the Emperor of Japan, Emperor Naruhito, addressed the people of Japan. On the occasion, he sent his gratitude to the Japanese people for their strengths and perseverance facing the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Moreover, the Emperor also thanked the medical professionals for giving their all to combat the pandemic.

Emperor Naruhito also offered condolences for the losses in 2020 caused by the COVID-19. He also admitted that the efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 were hard and the pandemic has brought hardships and stress. Yet, the Emperor hoped for a bright future that Japan would go through it all with patience and cooperation among his subjects.

Moreover, Emperor Naruhito also wants to visit the northeastern Tohoku to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 2011 earthquake that caused a tsunami and nuclear disaster, costing the lives of 16,000. As an earthquake was hit the northeastern region earlier this month, the Emperor wants Japan to take the 2011 earthquake a remembrance forever.

When being asked about his niece, Princess Mako's marriage to Kei Komuro, the Emperor stated that he wants the best for both parties to convince and please the people. However, Emperor Naruhito did not comment any further about the marriage.

For his birthday, the Emperor of Japan usually meets and greets the public at the Imperial Palace. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, the birthday address was canceled for two years consecutively in order to prevent the spread.

Emperor Naruhito gave an update about his wife, Empress Masako, who is still recovering. The Empress is still prone to exhaustion. Moreover, he also said some words about his daughter, Princess Aiko, who will turn 20 in December 2021. The Emperor said that the Princess will learn from the people so that her views will be broader.

Currently, Princess Aiko is attending Gakushuin University, taking Japanese Language and Literature. Emperor Naruhito stated that the time will come when he has to discuss Aiko's future, especially marriage.

While she is the only child of  Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, Princess Aiko is not eligible to be the heir to the throne as the 1947 Imperial House Law only allows males in the paternal line. Asked about the possibility of a female heir to the throne, Emperor Naruhito clammed up.

Source: https://bit.ly/3dEwVb0