Japanese Emperor Naruhito ascended to the Japanese throne four years ago, after his father’s abdication, but this is the first time he has been able to give a public birthday address.
Due to the global pandemic, the yearly tradition was repeatedly cancelled. Though the public celebration was able to take place this year, there were still restrictions in place. The crowd was limited to only 5,000 ticket holders; before 2020, anyone could attend the event. Also, masks were worn, even by the Emperor and his family, who were behind protective glass.
Emperor Naruhito expressed his enjoyment at celebrating his birthday with the public for the first time. The 63-year-old Emperor focused his speech on the Japanese people, expressing his concerns about inflation and the effects of the pandemic.
“Many people are having difficulties in their daily life amid the pandemic and rising prices. 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,” he said.
Emperor Naruhito also thanked his wife, Empress Masako, for spending more than half her life with him. Joining the couple on the balcony of the Imperial Palace was their daughter, Princess Aiko. In addition, the Emperor’s brother and heir presumptive, Crown Prince Akishino, his wife and daughter were also present.
This is the second annual speech Naruhito has restarted this year. In January, the Emperor resumed the New Year’s address to the people. This was also a tradition that was stopped during the global health crisis.
