Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress attended a ceremony to commend individuals and organizations that have contributed to the welfare of persons with disabilities during the "Disabled Persons Week" that began on the 3rd.
The ceremony was held in Koto Ward, Tokyo, attended by Prime Minister Kishida, and Their Majesties entered the venue at 2:30 pm on the 5th.
In gratitude for the hardships faced by people with disabilities and those who support them due to the spread of the new coronavirus, the Emperor said, ``Support for people with disabilities will continue, and such people will be active in various fields. This is a very significant event, and I would like to express my sincere respect for their efforts."
Following this, Prime Minister Kishida handed out certificates of commendation to individuals and groups that have contributed to the welfare of persons with disabilities, as well as to those who were selected as the best posters and essays for Disabled Persons Week.
After that, Ms. Kanuka Asanuma, a 5th grade elementary school student from Ibaraki Prefecture, who was selected as the best essay in the elementary school category, read aloud an essay about her experience of volunteering to raise a puppy to be trained as a guide dog for a year. His Majesty listened carefully, nodding his head several times.