Oct 04 (NHK) - Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako have attended via video link an event that promotes the conservation of marine resources and the environment.
The 40th annual event was held on Sunday in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, after a one-year postponement due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The city was one of the areas hardest-hit by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake that triggered massive tsunami.
The Emperor said it is significant that the event is being held in a city that has overcome the disaster.
He also said he deeply respects the relentless efforts of the people of the region and the hard work of those involved in the reconstruction.
The Emperor expressed hope that the activities of people engaged in improving the marine environment will further develop with support from many others.
Local fishery workers pledged to aim for a sustainable fishery industry that will be able to withstand environmental changes so that they can pass it on to the next generation.
After the ceremony, the Emperor and Empress talked with people who experienced the 2011 disaster.
Source: ANNnewsCH
