Dec 09, 2020 (Kyodo) - Empress Masako, on the occasion of her 57th birthday on Wednesday, expressed her desire to overcome the challenges presented by the novel coronavirus pandemic together with the Japanese people, saying they are "invaluable" people and wishes for their happiness.
The empress, who has long been battling a stress-induced illness, said this year has reminded her of the importance and value of human life amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, adding it has been painful to see the level of devastation caused around the world.
"I hope we can cooperate to overcome these hardships" through understanding, caring and lending a helping hand to one another, she said in a statement released by the Imperial Household Agency.
She also expressed her gratitude to health care workers, who have "devoted themselves day and night to save the lives of many patients and to prevent the spread of infections."
In May last year, her husband, Emperor Naruhito, 60, ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne following the abdication of his father, former Emperor Akihito, who became the first Japanese monarch to relinquish the throne in around 200 years.
She said she "regrets" not being able to communicate with the Japanese people in person as many events she was scheduled to attend were postponed. However, she revealed that she has been performing her duties online.
Source: ANNnewsCH
