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Japan's emperor gives first birthday address in four-year reign

TOKYO, Feb 23 (straitstimes.com) - Japanese Emperor Naruhito on Thursday gave his first public birthday address since ascending the throne almost four years ago, after delays due to the Covid-19 outbreak, and urged support for people struggling with inflation and the pandemic.

“Many people are having difficulties in their daily life amid the pandemic and rising prices,” Emperor Naruhito said, standing on a palace balcony to accept cheers and well-wishes from thousands of citizens assembled on the grounds below.

“My heart feels pain when I think about people in vulnerable positions, who are aged, who have disabilities, who are in need of support, and people in poverty and their children.

“But it is encouraging and I am thankful to know that there are many people who support these people in vulnerable positions.”

Emperor Naruhito, who turned 63, was crowned emperor on May 1, 2019, after his father Akihito became the first emperor to abdicate in two centuries. ...continue reading

Source: ANNnewsCH

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