His Majesty the Emperor attended a
press conference
before his birthday
while taking measures to prevent infection
such as installing acrylic boards at his residence, Akasaka Imperial Residence
.
(Question 1 from the representative of the Miyauchi Press Association) The
spread of the new coronavirus has restricted the activities of the imperial family and reduced the chances of His Majesty the Emperor interacting with many people.
While it was difficult for her to interact directly with the people, Her Majesty continued to give lectures with the Empress and started online activities, and on New Year's Day, a video message for the people was released.
As the effects of infectious diseases continue to prolong, what are your thoughts on the state of the emperor and the imperial family of the corona sickness and the policy of future activities?
Please tell us your impressions of the new initiative.
(His Majesty the Emperor) In
the history of Japan, there were many difficult times such as natural disasters and the spread of epidemics.
Following the rituals of successive emperors, Emperor Shomu, who created the Great Buddha of Nara with the desire to calm the unstable world where natural disasters continue, wishes for the end of the plague Beginning with Emperor Saga in the Heian period, when the sutra was copied, successive emperors such as Emperor Go-Nara and Emperor Shomucho in the Warring States period will inherit their thoughts and do what they can to be close to the people in that period. I have been trying hard.
I think that spirit is still relevant today.
I think that the basics of the imperial family and activities are to always wish for the happiness of the people and to share the pain with the people.
And, it is important to think about and act in response to the situation in response to the changing times and changes in society, and I think that it is the role of the imperial family in that era.
In terms of thinking about the people and being close to them, it is very important to pay attention to, aim, and encourage those who have been affected by the disaster, the disabled and the elderly, and those who have been doing their best for society and people. It's important.
It is a natural feeling of me and Masako, and I think it is an important duty as the imperial family.
The past year has been at the mercy of the corona wreck.
What was the sadness of the family and friends who lost their loved ones?
I would like to express my heartfelt condolences.
In addition, it is extremely painful that the number of people who die by themselves is increasing, probably because of the feeling of obstruction of the corona virus, so we all have to somehow prevent it.
On the other hand, relationships that have supported vulnerable people such as the elderly and people with disabilities, including those who have been engaged in medical care with a strong sense of mission and those who have dealt with on-site response at health centers. I had the opportunity to hear from many people, such as those who have supported children in difficult situations such as the children's cafeteria, and I deeply deepened my thoughts on your efforts.
It was a year in which we were able to widely share our gratitude among the people for such people.
Fortunately, the number of newly infected people seems to be declining nationwide.
In addition, vaccination with the new coronavirus vaccine has begun.
For the time being, we are looking forward to a bright future ahead of the people who will patiently overcome the corona wreck while sharing the pain and cooperating with each other.
At the same time, looking at the current situation, we both regret that it is extremely difficult to directly interact with many people due to the effects of the new coronavirus infection.
Under these circumstances, think about what we can do to build connections with people and help the people, and consult with the Imperial Household Agency to consider the possibility of online exchange. it was done.
In August of last year, I was invited to the "International Online Conference on Water Disaster Prevention in the Outbreak of Coronavirus Infection" and listened to it online. After the conference, I talked with the participants online. There was a feeling, and I was able to feel the connection between people.
Therefore, after that, we continued to study further, and since last fall, we have been online at the medical site of the Japanese Red Cross Society, the place of work and activities of the elderly and disabled, and since the beginning of this year, the heavy rain disaster of July last year. We visited the affected municipalities and were able to talk with the people concerned.
In addition to the benefits of this online visit as an infectious disease control measure, I realized that it has the advantage of meeting people in multiple locations at the same time and being able to visit places that are normally difficult to visit, such as mountainous areas. It was.
Over the past year, there have been various restrictions on public affairs, for example, it was difficult to hold a general public touring in the New Year, but instead, we were able to convey our feelings to the people by video message. It is a big discovery that we have found new possibilities in online activities, including.
There are parts that can only be achieved by an actual visit, such as sharing the same experience with many people in the area, including the station front and roadside when visiting a rural area, and feeling the land and the atmosphere of the land. However, in the current situation where the infection has not been resolved, online is considered to be an effective means.
Online may have some challenges that are unique to online, but I would like to continue to utilize it in a way that suits the situation.
(Q2) I
would like to ask about your family.
The Empress has been doing a lot of activities over the past year, even as her medical treatment continues. How do you see your Majesty's physical condition and condition?
Aiko is 20 years old this year and will be a member of the adult royal family.
Please tell us about your thoughts on your future activities and marriage, how to spend your time while you are unable to attend Gakushuin University, how to deal with your father.
Your Majesty had the opportunity to talk with the Emperor and Prince Akishino on a regular basis during the Heisei era. How do you communicate with each other without having to meet face to face?
(His Majesty the Emperor)
Masako is having difficulty getting in shape due to restrictions on her activities due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection, but fortunately, she has been making various efforts and efforts last year as well. I was able to perform various events and ceremonies without delay.
In particular, we worked on sericulture for the first time from May to June last year, and in November we successfully completed the ceremony of Rikkoshi no Rei and Asami, and in the New Year's video message, we will be together with the people. I am glad that I was able to say hello to everyone.
However, Masako is still in the process of recovery, her physical condition is wavy, and she tends to remain tired for a while after a big event.
I hope that you will continue to steadily accumulate what you can do without overdoing it.
In addition, Masako is an important person who supports my daily activities and is a good consultant both publicly and privately.
I would like to continue to help and support Masako as much as possible.
I would like to express my gratitude to all the people for their warm hearts and gratitude for Masako's warm hearts, and I would like to thank you for your continued warm support for Masako's recovery.
Aiko, who became a university student from April of last year, continues to take classes online due to the influence of the new coronavirus infection, but when she first went to university last fall, she said, "I gained new knowledge at university. I want to work on various things while valuing the joy that I sometimes feel. ”As I said, I am happy that Masako and I are enthusiastic about studying at university. Also, I feel that it has become a little more reliable.
There are quite a lot of tasks in the online class, and Aiko is working hard on each one, which seems to be difficult, but I think that the teachers who prepare the class have a lot of trouble.
We also had the opportunity to see Aiko taking classes online by her side, but we also felt like we were able to gain new insights and return to our school days. became.
I don't know what kind of situation the university life will be in the future, but I hope that Aiko will lead a meaningful student life.
Aiko usually does some exercise outdoors when she has time, but she spends a lot of time at home, so the three of us in the family value the time to have fun and get together.
In addition, we will reach adulthood in December of this year at the earliest.
As I said at the press conference when Aiko was born, the names "Keimiya" and "Aiko", which are based on Mencius' words, include our desire to respect and love people. I am.
It hasn't changed even after 20 years.
In the future, I will be engaged in public affairs as an adult royal family, but I would like you to take good care of each and every one of your duties with gratitude and compassion.
I hope that you will learn a lot from various people, deepen your thoughts, and broaden your horizons while accumulating various experiences more than ever before.
In the process, I would like to do as much as possible for us to consult with us, including the future.
It is a pity that the chances of meeting with His Majesty the Emperor and Akishinomiya are decreasing, but I try to keep in touch with His Majesty the Emperor and Akishinomiya as appropriate.
However, I would like to refrain from answering for details.
I understand that His Majesty the Emperor and His Majesty the Emeritus are spending their days suffering from the spread of the new coronavirus infection.
Please do not overdo it, take good care of yourself, and pray from the bottom of your heart that you will spend a long time in good health.
(Q3)
The thanks of Mr. Akishinomiya's Rikkoshi no Rei are over.
Please tell us your impressions of His Majesty.
Mako, the eldest daughter, wrote in a document announcing her feelings about her marriage to Kei Komuro, "I am deeply grateful to Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress for respecting my feelings and quietly watching over me." Was written.
Mr. Akishino has expressed his intention to allow marriage, but what do you think of His Majesty?
How do you perceive that there are various opinions among the people regarding their marriage?
(His Majesty the Emperor)
I am relieved that the major events related to Rikkoshi no Rei, which had been postponed, were completed without delay.
At the ceremony of Rikkoshi no Rei, I was reassured that Akishinomiya said, "I am deeply sympathetic to my responsibilities as an imperial priest and would like to fulfill my duties."
As an emperor, Akishinomiya's duties will become even heavier, but I would like Princess Akishino to fulfill her duties while paying attention to her body.
I am aware that there are various opinions among the people regarding the marriage of Princess Mako of Akishino.
I hope that Princess Mako of Akishino will discuss this with her parents and, as Akishinomiya said, many people will be satisfied and pleased.
(Q4)
Currently, succession to the throne is limited to men, but in the long history there have been cases where women became emperors.
On the other hand, in recent years, the European royal family has been increasingly giving priority to the firstborn, regardless of gender.
What do you think about the history and traditions of the imperial family and the global movement to promote gender equality and women's empowerment?
(His Majesty the Emperor)
I am well aware of the situation in the European royal family as mentioned in your question.
However, as I said last year, I would like to refrain from mentioning matters related to the system.
(Q5)
Looking back on the past year, please tell us about the events that left an impression on you.
It will soon be 10 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Your Majesty has visited the disaster area with the Empress frequently and has been paying close attention to the victims. Please tell us about the people in the disaster area and your thoughts on reconstruction.
(His Majesty the Emperor) Over the
past year, the new coronavirus infection has raged.
As I mentioned in the New Year's video message, both I and Masako are concerned about the situation in which this infectious disease is not easily resolved.
In addition, due to the spread of this infectious disease, young people with many potentials are in a difficult situation, and suicides of women and young people, domestic violence and child abuse are increasing. I am also worried about such things.
On the other hand, I was impressed by the patience and toughness of the Japanese people in the face of this hardship, and I was also impressed by the feeling of so much "gratitude" over the past year. ..
Since the outbreak of the new coronavirus infection, healthcare professionals have a strong sense of mission, even though they are exposed to the threat of their own infection, at the forefront, day and night, for patients. Thank you very much for your efforts to save lives.
In addition, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to those who are making efforts to properly connect patients to the medical field, such as those at health centers.
Over the past year, with the desire to gain a deeper understanding of the feelings and situations of those who are suffering from the various effects of the new coronavirus infection, and to be close to them, we have been working with experts in various fields and on-site. We talked with Masako from the people who are responding.
To deepen understanding of the current situation of the elderly and disabled, as well as children in needy and poor households, and to support vulnerable groups and protect their lives and livelihoods. I am very grateful that I am doing my best.
I was very impressed with how such people are still doing their best for many others while being forced to bear the burden and hardship of infectious diseases.
In addition, in the field of education, while many school events have to be canceled, the story of the sixth graders who set up their own project team and created a memorable event with various productions, and the area. The number of volunteers who support children's learning has increased, for example, we heard that volunteers cooperated in disinfecting classrooms, and while various restrictions are imposed by the spread of the new coronavirus infection, children I was able to hear stories that made us feel the strength and kindness of people more than ever.
Continuing to combat a prolonged infectious disease epidemic requires effort.
We would like to thank all of you who are trying to prevent the spread of infection to the extent that you can.
I think that many people find it stressful to avoid direct contact with close people such as relatives and friends and pay attention to every corner of their lives.
We will make many efforts for each and every one of you to continue unknowingly.
A large donation in the UK through 100 round trips in the garden by the 100th birthday to help healthcare professionals respond to the new coronavirus infection while requiring walker assistance The actions of Tom Moore, who collected money and became known as "Captain Tom", and the awarding of the title to Moore, and this month when Moore unfortunately died of a new coronavirus infection. I was deeply impressed that many people mourned the death and applauded for their achievements.
I was impressed by the way countless people gently wrap up those who are trying their best to support the medical professionals who are working hard.
Moore left the words, "Tomorrow will surely be a good day."
I have no choice but to spend difficult days now, but I also believe that "tomorrow will be a good day" by patiently continuing the infection prevention measures that each person can take, and I do not hope that it will happen. I can't enter.
I have mainly talked about the impact of the new coronavirus infection in Japan, but what impressed me last year is that this infectious disease has spread worldwide.
The other day, I attended an online international conference with Masako on the 5th anniversary of the expiration of the United Nations Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation (UNSGAB), and the importance of water as an infection control was talked about on the spot.
As a measure to prevent the spread of infection, in Japan, hand washing is a matter of course along with so-called three-cs avoidance and wearing a mask, but there are areas in the world where sanitary water suitable for hand washing cannot be obtained satisfactorily. There is also.
In addition to the new coronavirus infections, various infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, HIV / AIDS, and Ebola hemorrhagic fever are killing a large number of people in the world, especially in developing countries.
It reminds us that the efforts of one country alone are not enough to overcome these infectious diseases, and that international cooperation is essential.
Last year, in addition to the new coronavirus infection, there was a natural disaster.
In July, many precious lives were lost due to heavy rain, especially in Kumamoto prefecture, which is engraved as a painful memory.
There are concerns about the enormous and widespread natural disasters that are thought to be caused by climate change.
Last year was 75 years after the war.
As we enter the milestone year, we have renewed our feeling that we must keep in mind the misery of war and the preciousness of peace.
In addition, I would like to keep my heart on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which became the only bombed areas in the world in the last World War.
The bright topic was that in December of last year, the asteroid explorer Hayabusa2 brought dreams to people by completing the first part of a long and epic mission.
I think many people, not just me, are expecting what kind of discoveries the results brought back by Hayabusa2 will lead to.
It's been almost 10 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake, and it's painful to remember that the earthquake caused more than 20,000 dead and missing people and caused enormous damage to various places.
Immediately after the earthquake, we would like to visit Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima prefectures and those who have been evacuated to the Tokyo metropolitan area. After that, we visited the disaster area several times with Masako and the reconstruction situation. I have seen, but I think that various problems still remain in the disaster area.
It is true that reconstruction is progressing day by day in terms of infrastructure, but for those who have lost close friends such as their families, those who have been forced to evacuate, their families and friends have been separated, and their living environment has changed completely. With that in mind, I feel that the wounds from the earthquake have not healed yet.
Most recently, on the 13th of this month, there was an earthquake off the coast of Fukushima prefecture with a magnitude of more than 7.
We would like to express our deepest sympathies to all those affected by the disaster.
In the press, many people said that they remembered 10 years ago.
I was reminded of the magnitude of the damage caused by the unprecedented disaster, and I felt that it is necessary to think of the Great East Japan Earthquake as something that is still going on, not as a thing of the past.
Both I and Masako will continue to listen to the words of the people in the disaster area and continue to devote themselves to the disaster area so that they can help the people in the disaster area as much as possible.
And again, if I have the opportunity, I would like to visit the disaster-stricken area, which has been over 10 years old.
(Related Question Q1)
Regarding the issue of marriage between Mako and Komuro, Her Majesty said, "I hope that many people will be satisfied and pleased."
What do you think is necessary for that?
(His Majesty the Emperor)
Regarding this matter, I would like to refrain from answering anything beyond what I said earlier.
(Q2) In the
second question, you asked about Aiko's current situation. What do you think about Aiko's future marriage?
(His Majesty the Emperor) As I
said earlier, my college life has just begun, so I think I will continue to learn various things and broaden my horizons.
In the process, I will probably consult with you about various things, so I think there will be an opportunity to discuss various future issues, including marriage.
(Q3)
Regarding the very first question about the new corona, your Majesty has started online activities since last fall, but until then, it is difficult to directly interact with the people. In the midst of this situation, His Majesty himself felt frustrated, wanted to see the people sooner, that kind of feeling of crisis, and that kind of feeling. Is not it.
(His Majesty the Emperor) In the
current infection situation of the new coronavirus infection, avoiding the Three Cs, that is, the interaction between people has been closed, so to speak, it seems that everyday life has really changed. I feel it.
In the current situation where each and every one of us was having a lot of trouble, I was also very concerned about you, but now I will talk about going to see you. It is something that should not be done, so I feel that I have spent my days thinking about what I can do now, while having a feeling for each and every one of the people. I will.
In the process, online has become widespread, and as I mentioned earlier, when I actually tried online at an international conference on water, I found the connection between people. I was able to feel it at, so I came up with the idea of connecting with everyone online while consulting with the Imperial Household Agency.
So, I think that online has its own challenges, as I mentioned earlier, but I would like to use those issues from now on.