Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko have visited 2 prefectures in western Japan that were hit hard by record rainfall in July.

The couple flew into Matsuyama Airport in Ehime Prefecture shortly before noon on Friday and changed to a Self-Defense Forces helicopter to visit Seiyo City, where 5 people died in the disaster.

After a briefing by the mayor, the couple met evacuees at temporary housing.

The emperor asked them whether their families are safe. The empress said she hopes they're feeling better.

The couple also greeted and thanked high school students who served as volunteers after the disaster.

They went to Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture, in the afternoon and visited the Tenno district, which had the most deaths in the city. 12 people died there in landslides and floods.

The couple listened to a survivor who described how floodwater engulfed the community, and expressed sympathy.

They also met police and Self-