His Majesty the Emperor celebrated his 63rd birthday on the 23rd.
At his birthday press conference, he expressed his gratitude to Empress Masako, who celebrated her 30th wedding anniversary.
Prior to his birthday, His Majesty the Emperor attended a press conference at the Imperial Palace and Palace, and said that he resumed his visit to the countryside last year, which had been refrained from for nearly three years due to the corona disaster, saying, "I would like to be able to meet and talk directly with everyone. It made us very happy,” he said.
Regarding his visit to Okinawa Prefecture, which celebrated the 50th anniversary of its reversion to Japan, he said, "I heard directly from the bereaved families of the Battle of Okinawa and thought about the hardships and sorrows of each and every one of them." Looking back, he said, "I was deeply reminded of the importance of peace."
Regarding Queen Elizabeth of England, who attended the state funeral in September last year, she said, "I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the warm hospitality you have given me on various occasions during my study abroad and visit to the United Kingdom. I'm here."
Regarding Empress Masako, who will celebrate her 30th wedding anniversary this June, she said, "In the past 30 years, we have experienced many things together, helped each other, and shared our joys and sorrows. She is an important person who supports my daily activities, and is a good adviser for both public and private matters. I am very grateful for the peace and warmth that they have brought to my life,” he said.
Regarding her eldest daughter Aiko, "I would like her to carefully fulfill each and every duty as a member of the imperial family. In the process, I would like to do what I can to consult with her. I will.”
When asked about the Imperial Household Agency's plan to strengthen information dissemination on the imperial family, including through the use of social media, from the new fiscal year, she replied, "In order to build a relationship of trust between the people and the imperial family, it is important to provide the people with information about the imperial family at the right time. I think it's important to inform people in an easy-to-understand manner."
Today at the Imperial Palace, the Emperor's birthday will be celebrated for the first time since His Majesty's accession to the throne, and Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress will join Prince and Princess Akishino, Princess Aiko, and Princess Kako in standing on the balcony of the palace three times in the morning to celebrate. you can receive
New footage of Their Majesties
On the occasion of His Majesty the Emperor's birthday, the Imperial Household Agency has released a new video of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress taken at the Imperial Palace where they live on the 16th of this month.
The video is nearly five minutes long, in which Their Majesties are viewing Sansuyu bonsai in the main garden of the Imperial Palace, where they maintain a variety of bonsai.
This Sansuyu tree is about 30 years old and stands about 70 centimeters high. The Emperor occasionally held his hand over the blooming flowers and explained to the Empress that they were actually used for medicine. about it.
Also, in another scene, a booklet introducing bonsai in Daido Garden is spread out.
Their Majesties reportedly commented, "It's wonderful," while looking at the pages of black pine, wisteria, and white pine.
History after His Majesty the Emperor Enthroned
His Majesty the Emperor, who is approaching the fifth year since his accession to the throne.
Together with the Empress, I have been searching for a way to get closer to the people during the corona crisis.
His Majesty the Emperor was enthroned four years ago on May 1, 2019.
In autumn, he attended the Sokuirei Seiden-no-Gi ceremony, in which he declared his enthronement to the world.
At the press conference on his first birthday in 2nd year of Reiwa after his accession to the throne, he said, "I would like to cherish the opportunity to interact with many people and hear their stories directly."
However, this year, the spread of the new coronavirus spread, and in April, a state of emergency was declared nationwide.
Annual events in rural areas where Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress attend each year have also been postponed.
In November, Their Majesties visited the medical site of the Japanese Red Cross Society, which is using online for the first time to respond to the new coronavirus, to see how to get close to the people in the corona disaster.
It was a new form of contact that Their Majesties adopted as they explored.
On New Year's Day 2021, he and the Empress addressed the nation in a video message, expressing their thoughts on those facing the novel coronavirus.
In July of that year, he attended the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, which had been postponed for one year, as honorary president.
The opening was declared while it was a non-audience.
Last year, in 2021, restrictions on movement were gradually eased, and the opportunity for Their Majesties to directly interact with the people they had been waiting for returned.
In October, visited Tochigi Prefecture on a day trip with the Empress to attend the opening ceremony of the National Athletic Meet.
It was my first visit to a rural area in two years and eight months.
He also visited Okinawa Prefecture, which celebrated the 50th anniversary of its reversion to Japan, and exchanged words with war bereaved families.
Prior to this, he attended the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth of England with the Empress.
It was her first foreign visit since her accession to the throne.
This year, the first public New Year's visit in three years was held at the Imperial Palace, and it was decided that the first garden party in Reiwa will be held in May.
It seems that the activities of Their Majesties will be in full swing.
Full press conference
This is the full text of the press conference of His Majesty the Emperor.
(Questions from the Imperial Household Press Association representative)
[Question 1]
In the past year, His Majesty has visited England for the first time since his accession to the throne.
In Okinawa, which celebrated the 50th anniversary of its reversion to Japan, I had the opportunity to interact with the bereaved families and the younger generation.
Please tell us about your impressions of the places you visited, along with episodes.
Please let us know your thoughts on how this year's activities should be while the with corona is progressing.
(His Majesty the Emperor)
I don't think it can be said that the situation with the new coronavirus infection has settled down yet. I was able to resume my visits to rural areas for the first time in almost three years.
Masako and I were disappointed that it had become difficult for us to have direct contact with the people during the coronavirus crisis. We were also very happy to be able to visit and talk with everyone directly.
I am grateful for the careful preparations made by everyone involved in the preparations for my visit to the regions, while paying attention to measures to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus infection, such as listening to the opinions of experts. Masako and I are very happy to have been warmly welcomed by so many people, including those along the road.
When I attended the opening ceremony of the National Athletic Meet held in Tochigi Prefecture in October, I was delighted to see athletes and officials from all over Japan sharing the joy of being able to participate in the tournament for the first time in three years. Also, when I saw the runners of the torch relay carrying torches, I realized that the national polity was successfully held even in the midst of the corona crisis.
In November, I visited Hyogo Prefecture for the All-Japan Bountiful Sea Development Convention. From the window of the plane on the way to Kobe Airport and from the window of the train on the way to the destination, I could see beautiful views of Kobe and other cityscapes. It left an impression on me as I felt that it was progressing through their tireless efforts.
On the other hand, I heard from the Governor of Hyogo Prefecture that among those who were affected by the earthquake 28 years ago, there are still many elderly people who are still in difficult situations. I want to give my heart to you.
Also, this was my first time experiencing the release of fish at a competition to create a rich sea. Through the ceremonies and events, local high school students and children from all over the country who performed in orchestras were very impressive.
Last year marked the 50th anniversary of Okinawa's reversion to Japan, and Masako and I attended the 50th anniversary ceremony of Okinawa's reversion online in May, and also visited special exhibitions at the Tokyo National Museum and the National Archives of Japan. I had the opportunity to deepen my understanding of history and culture.
In October, I was delighted to be able to actually visit Okinawa Prefecture with Masako for the National Cultural Festival and the National Arts and Cultural Festival for Persons with Disabilities.
In Okinawa Prefecture, I listened directly to the stories of the bereaved families of the Battle of Okinawa, and thought about the hardships and sorrows of each and every one of them.
Thinking about the tragedy of the Battle of Okinawa, which turned into a fierce ground battle, and the history of hardships that the people of Okinawa went through, I pray for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives. Thinking about the waste of peace that exists, I was deeply impressed with the importance of peace.
Also, during this visit, I was able to directly experience the history and culture of Okinawa.
Also, I was very happy to be able to reunite with the young journalists who came to the Crown Prince's Palace in 2016, and to see that they are all growing up.
From now on, I would like to reconsider the path that Okinawa has taken so far, and to extend my heart to the land of Okinawa and the people of Okinawa.
I would like to cherish the feeling of praying for peace in Japan and the world.
In September of last year, Masako and I visited the UK to attend the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who had reigned for 70 years.
At the funeral, amid solemn ceremonies, members of the British royal family, heads of state and other attendees will reflect on the many achievements and contributions of Her Majesty the Queen over the years. In addition, I would like to offer my final condolences to Her Majesty the Queen, while renewing my heartfelt respect and gratitude for Her Majesty's warm support of the relationship between our two countries. I said goodbye.
Her Majesty the Queen welcomed me warmly on various occasions during my study abroad and visits to England, and I am deeply grateful to her for her many considerations.
At the same time, I regret that I was not able to visit Her Majesty the Queen during her lifetime due to the corona crisis, even though I was invited by her as a state guest in Reiwa.
I am extremely grateful for the warm welcome I received from His Majesty King Charles III, members of the British royal family, British government officials, and the general public.
Over the past year, COVID-19 has continued to have a major impact on society.
I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the deceased and their bereaved families, as well as my sympathies to those who are fighting illness or suffering from aftereffects.
In the midst of this, there are medical workers who continue to make efforts to save the lives of patients, related organizations such as ambulance crews and public health centers, and essential workers who support people's daily lives. I would like to once again express my heartfelt gratitude to
It pains me to know that many people, especially those in socially vulnerable positions, are living with various difficulties during the corona crisis.
I am also concerned about social loneliness and isolation.
We would like to continue to extend our hearts to those who are socially vulnerable, such as those in need and their children.
The infection situation of the new coronavirus infection seems to be calming down little by little, but in future activities, we will take necessary measures while paying close attention to the infection situation at that time. At the same time, I would like to be able to reach out to the general public in a wide variety of ways, while also making use of online channels.
[Question 2]
Your Majesties will celebrate 30 years of marriage in June this year.
Please look back on your journey so far, and tell us about your feelings for the Empress and the status of your recovery.
Princess Aiko, who reached adulthood, attended her first press conference in March last year.
Please tell us about Princess Aiko's university life, her activities as an adult member of the royal family, her future career path, and her thoughts on marriage.
(His Majesty the Emperor)
When I think that nearly 30 years have passed since we got married, I feel the speed of time.
As you mentioned on Masako's birthday in December last year, since Masako got married when she was 29 and a half, she has spent more than half of her life with me in the Imperial family. I am deeply grateful and deeply moved.
Over the past 30 years, we have experienced many things together, helped each other, and shared our joys and sorrows as we walked together.
Over the past year, Masako has been devising and making efforts to improve her physical condition. To, I was able to visit the reopened regions.
In addition, we had to make a sudden visit to England last September to attend the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. I was relieved to be able to attend.
In the past year, the situation with the coronavirus pandemic has calmed down a bit, and compared to the previous year, I have attended more events. We are passionate about our work while carrying on the tradition.
I think that they are doing really well in such a situation.
However, Masako is still in the process of recovering, and her physical condition fluctuates.
I hope she gets enough rest on such occasions.
From now on, I hope that she will continue to steadily build up what she can do without overdoing it.
Masako is an important person who supports my daily activities, and she is a good adviser for me both professionally and privately. I am very grateful for the warmth you have given me.
I would like to continue to be as strong and supportive as possible.
I would like to once again express my gratitude to the people of Japan for their warm support, and I would be grateful if you would continue to warmly watch over Masako's recovery.
As a university student, Aiko prioritizes her studies, but in the midst of this, she gradually begins activities as a member of the imperial family, such as New Year's events at the Imperial Palace and visits to Tokyo. is now performed.
Also, in March last year, she attended her first press conference after reaching the age of majority, and we also saw how she was preparing hard for the interview. I was relieved to be able to finish the interview safely.
As Aiko said at the press conference, her experience so far is due to the support and cooperation of many people around her, and she is grateful to everyone who has supported her in various ways. We were very happy that you were with us.
This year, due to the influence of the new coronavirus infection, almost all classes were attended online.
I am doing my best to study at university, such as giving presentations in seminar classes and working on class assignments every day.
It's early, and Aiko will be in the 4th grade from this April.
I hope that the infection situation of the new coronavirus infection will settle down and you will be able to visit the campus and gain more experience than ever before.
Aiko is busy with her studies, but she always talks about fun things to lighten the atmosphere at home and makes our life peaceful and enjoyable.
As I said last year, she wants her Aiko to learn a lot from her various people, broaden her horizons while accumulating various experiences, and deepen her own thoughts. I hope
She also hopes that she will continue to cherish each and every duty as a member of the imperial family, with a sense of compassion and gratitude.
In the process, we would like to do as much as possible for her to consult with us.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for the warm feelings you have shown to her Aiko.
I hope that you will continue to watch over her Aiko warmly.
[Question 3]
In the new fiscal year, the Imperial Household Agency plans to strengthen the transmission of information about the imperial family, and is considering the use of SNS.
In relation to this, Prince Akishino expressed his view at a press conference last year that "it is necessary to release accurate information in a timely manner."
Please tell us your thoughts on the significance of strengthening information dissemination and making the activities of the Imperial Family more widely known to the public.
(His Majesty the Emperor)
When thinking about the dissemination of information about the activities of the Imperial Family, I think it is necessary to go back to the basics of the role and activities of the Imperial Family.
As I have said before, the basics of the Imperial Household and its activities are to always wish for the happiness of the people and to share the joys and sorrows of the people.
I also believe that it is important to fulfill our duties according to the situation, while keeping in mind the changing times and social changes.
Each and every member of the Imperial Household will face these roles with sincerity, carry out their duties one by one, wishing for the happiness of the people, and build a relationship of trust between the people and the Imperial Household through repeated heart-to-heart exchanges with the people. We believe that will be built.
In order to build a relationship of trust between the people and the Imperial Family through repeated exchanges with the people, I believe it is important to provide the public with information about the Imperial Family at the appropriate time in an easy-to-understand manner.
[Question 4]
Your Majesty underwent a detailed prostate examination last year. Please tell us about your reaction to the test results, your current health condition, and what you are careful about in your daily life.
Last year, the Empress Emerita was diagnosed with right heart failure, and Empress Emerita was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis.
Please tell us how you feel about the physical condition of the Emperor and Empress and how they are doing recently.
(His Majesty the Emperor)
Regarding the examination, as announced, an enlarged prostate was recognized, but no other abnormalities were recognized.
I am very grateful to all of you for your concern.
This test was in response to concerns about the blood test values, but I felt the importance of the test again.
We are grateful for the efforts of the doctors, nurses, and other people involved in the examination.
Thanks to you, I'm living the same day to day, but I think it's important to maintain my health in order to fulfill my duties, so I'm trying to live as healthy as possible.
I think it's good to be physically active, so I regularly jog around the Imperial Palace and take walks with Masako.
Sometimes I jog with Aiko.
Even after moving to the Imperial Palace, Masako and Aiko have played tennis together.
I am grateful to Their Majesties the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita for always watching over us and Aiko warmly.
Their Majesties the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita moved to Sento Imperial Palace in Akasaka last year, and I would like to congratulate them on their 88th birthday, the year before last, and for Her Majesty the Empress Emerita.
Last year, Their Majesties the Empress Emerita and Empress Emerita pointed out something about her physical condition. On my birthday, I was able to meet with Masako, and on New Year's Day this year, I was able to meet Their Majesties together with Aiko.
We sincerely hope that you will take good care of yourself and live a long and healthy life.
[Q5]
The past year has seen a variety of events both at home and abroad, including soaring prices, international conflicts, and natural disasters on a global scale.
Looking back over the past year, please tell us about any event that left an impression on you.
(His Majesty the Emperor)
Many people are living with various difficulties due to the corona crisis and recent price hikes. It hurts my heart that people in socially vulnerable positions, such as children, are going through various hardships.
At the same time, I am heartened and grateful that there are many people who are doing their best to support these socially vulnerable people and protect their lives and livelihoods.
Although there are many difficulties, I hope that people will continue to care for each other and support each other to overcome difficult situations.
In the past year, natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, and heavy snow occurred all over Japan.
It is tragic that there are people who have died or suffered damage due to disasters, or who have died during heavy snow removal work.
I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to those who lost their lives, and my heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and those affected by the disaster.
Regarding natural disasters, this year marks the 100th anniversary of the Great Kanto Earthquake.
In Japan, there is a record of earthquakes in the ancient Nihon Shoki, and in the Heian period, there is a record of the Jogan earthquake with its epicenter off the coast of Sanriku.
The Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred in 2011 is still fresh in our memory.
More than 20,000 people died or went missing in the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Even now, many people are still facing difficulties, and I sincerely hope that reconstruction in the true sense of the word is only halfway through.
Although we do not know when natural disasters such as earthquakes will occur, it is important not to forget that they have happened repeatedly, and to make use of the knowledge and lessons learned from past disasters in the future. I think.
On a global scale, large-scale natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods are occurring.
This month's earthquake, centered in southeastern Turkey, reportedly killed a staggering number of people, more than 47,000.
In addition, many buildings collapsed and roads were severed in various places, causing extensive damage, and many people who lost their homes were forced to live in harsh evacuation conditions in the freezing cold. I am deeply saddened by the tragic situation in the affected areas.
Once again, I would like to offer my prayers for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in this earthquake, and convey my sympathies to those who have been affected.
At the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake, many aids were delivered from countries and regions around the world, including Turkey.
I have heard that many aids have been delivered from all over the world, including the dispatch of Japan Disaster Relief Teams and medical teams from Japan.
It is my sincere hope that with the cooperation of people around the world, relief efforts for those affected by the disaster will proceed as soon as possible, and that the hearts of the people in the disaster-stricken areas will lead to hope for recovery and reconstruction.
In Pakistan last year, about one-third of the land was submerged by large-scale flood disasters, and 33 million people, or about 15% of the total population, were affected. I feel like it's getting worse all over the world.
In the future, in order to reduce the damage of natural disasters, protect people's lives and livelihoods, and build a sustainable world, it will be even more important for people around the world to share their wisdom and cooperate. I feel needed.
As I mentioned earlier, I visited Okinawa Prefecture last year to commemorate the 50th anniversary of its reversion to Japan. I thought about people's history.
It also reminded me once again of the importance of peace so that the ravages of war never happen again.
However, looking at the world, wars and conflicts are still occurring in various places, and many people are dead, injured, or have lost their homes, and are in fear and sorrow.
In addition, there are people around the world who suffer from hunger, poverty, oppression, prejudice, etc., and their dignity and lives are threatened.
I am deeply saddened by these difficult realities facing the world.
In order to create a world where all people can be free from sorrow and suffering and live in peace, it is necessary for the international community not to think only of its own country, but to cooperate with other countries. I strongly feel the importance of having repeated dialogues to overcome differences and working together to solve problems.
I also feel that we are once again being asked what each and every one of us can do to realize a peaceful world.
Sadako Ogata, who served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in the 1990s, said that in order for Japanese society to move forward, it is necessary to open one's eyes to the world's diverse cultures, values, politics, and society, and to find something out of them. It is essential to learn and, at the same time, cultivate diversity within Japan.”
I think this is an important suggestion for building a peaceful world in the future.
I think that there were many bright topics in the world of sports this past year as well.
Many Japanese athletes performed well at the Winter Olympics and Paralympics held in Beijing last February.
At the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in November, the Japan national team, led by Hajime Moriyasu, won against a powerhouse nation as a united team, advanced to the finals, and tied for a record 9th place finish. And so on, it's still fresh in my memory that I made a brilliant success.
Also, at this tournament, the Japanese supporters who cleaned the spectator seats were praised and received an award from the tournament organizing committee, which left an impression on me.
In wheelchair tennis, I was also impressed by the outstanding performances of Shingo Kunieda, who recently announced his retirement.
In the world of shogi, Sota Fujii won his fifth title, Osho, last year, making him the youngest teenager ever to achieve the five crowns.
While many people are living with various difficulties due to the corona disaster, I believe that these things will give many people great impressions and bright hopes.
I look forward to seeing these young people continue to work hard every day to open up new worlds.
（関連質問）
【問1】
この度はお誕生日、おめでとうございます。3問目の皇室の情報発信に関連してお伺いいたします。先ほど陛下は、皇室に関する情報は、適切なタイミングで分かりやすく発信することも大事だとおっしゃられました。この分かりやすく発信するということに関して、具体的にイメージされていることですとか、アイデアがありましたらお聞かせください。また、海外の王室などで発信されている事例などで、何か参考になったり、日本の皇室でも取り入れてもよいのではないかと思われるような出来事がありましたら、そちらも併せてお聞かせください。
（天皇陛下）
今、御質問のあった件については、今現在、宮内庁でもいろいろと検討が進められていると思います。
ですから、これは宮内庁の今後の対応に任せたいというように思っております。
また、海外でもいろいろな王室の方々がSNSを使ったりして情報発信しておられることは、私も承知しております。
恐らくその国々にあった形で、それぞれ発信をしておられることだと思いますけれども、この辺も宮内庁の方でもいろいろと情報を集めているのではないかというように思っております。
【問2】
沖縄の昨年の行幸啓に関連し、陛下にお尋ね申し上げます。私は今月、政府派遣の硫黄島戦没者遺骨収集団に約2週間加わり、戦没者2万人のうち1万人がいまだに残されたままの島の現状を見てきました。上皇様は1994年、硫黄島を訪問され「精根を込め戦ひし人未だ地下に眠りて島は悲しき」との御製を詠まれました。来年は最後の硫黄島行幸啓から30年の節目となります。沖縄と並んで激しい地上戦が行われた硫黄島の歴史や、いまだに1万人もの戦没者が残されている現状に対する陛下のお気持ちをお聞かせください。
(His Majesty the Emperor)
Regarding the visit of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress to Iwo Jima, I have heard various stories from Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress when they visited Iwo Jima.
I am deeply saddened by the horrific battle that took place and the loss of so many lives. is deceased.
I myself would like to continue to deepen my understanding of this history during the war.