His Majesty the Emperor's 64th birthday

His Majesty the Emperor celebrated his 64th birthday on the 23rd.

Ahead of his birthday, His Majesty the Emperor held a press conference at the Imperial Palace and spoke about the Noto Peninsula earthquake that occurred on New Year's Day, saying, ``Many people lost their lives, and there are still many whose safety is unknown. I am deeply saddened that so many people have been forced to evacuate."

After that, he said, ``When it becomes possible for me to visit the disaster-stricken areas, I would like to visit the disaster-stricken areas with Masako while observing the state of recovery on the ground and listening to the feelings of the disaster victims and the thoughts of the affected local governments and other stakeholders. I hope to be able to visit you.''

In addition, ahead of the fifth anniversary of his ascension to the throne in May, he looked back on his path as Emperor to date and said, ``I aim to get into the hearts of the people and be as close to them as I can, and I will do my best wherever I go.'' I have tried to have as many opportunities as possible to interact with the people of Japan, so that I can listen to their stories and gain an accurate sense of their situations and feelings, as well as what the Imperial Family should do for the people. ``I would like to continue visiting various places while consulting with Masako and keeping this in mind.''

Furthermore, regarding Princess Aiko, her eldest daughter, who has been offered a job with the Japanese Red Cross Society, she said, ``I think I've always had the desire to do something for people.I think my work as a member of the imperial family will increase.'' However, I hope that you will continue to carry out each of your duties as a member of the Imperial Family with compassion and gratitude,'' he said.

Regarding Prince Hisahito, the eldest son of Prince Akishino and his wife, who will become an adult in September this year, he said, ``I have watched him grow up as his nephew since he was little, but lately he has been visiting the countryside and Tokyo. I feel confident that he is gradually fulfilling his duties as a member of the imperial family, whether it be through interactions with people from other countries or other countries."

A public visitation for the Emperor's birthday was held at the Imperial Palace on the 23rd, and His Majesty the Emperor stood on the balcony of the palace three times in the morning to receive the congratulations, along with the Empress, Prince Akishino, Princess Aiko, and Princess Yoshiko. You can

Footage of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress released at the Imperial Palace

On the occasion of His Majesty the Emperor's birthday, the Imperial Household Agency released a video of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress taken at their residence on February 9th.

Inside, Their Majesties are looking at the Wajima lacquer paper box that was used at the beginning of this year's song ceremony.

In addition, a Wajima lacquered decorative tray and a Suzu ware vase are displayed next to the couple.

According to a close aide, Their Majesties are concerned that industries in the disaster-stricken areas have suffered major damage due to the earthquake, and that many people involved in traditional culture and industry in the Noto region are in difficult situations.

During the photo shoot, Their Majesties talked about their memories of visiting Wajima City's Morning Market Street and how many craftsmen are involved in the production of Wajima lacquerware.

The Imperial Household Agency is making arrangements for Their Majesties to visit the disaster-stricken areas in Ishikawa Prefecture in late March.

Full text of His Majesty the Emperor's press conference

This is the full text of His Majesty the Emperor's press conference.

(Question from a representative of the Imperial Household Press Association)

(Question 1)

While there has been a lot of bright news over the past year, the Noto Peninsula earthquake occurred in the new year, and many people died and were forced to live in evacuees.

Looking back on the past year, please tell us about any memorable events.

(His Majesty the Emperor)

The Noto Peninsula earthquake that occurred on the evening of New Year's Day this year, not long after the new year, struck many households that had gathered together for New Year's Day. Many people died, others were injured, and some were injured. I lost it.

The Noto area, which was hit by this earthquake, is an area that both Masako and I have fond memories of visiting when we were students.In October last year, we both visited Kanazawa City and visited the prefecture's residents. I especially remember the warm welcome we received from everyone, and I also want to remind you that in Ishikawa Prefecture, many people have lost their lives, and that there are still many whose safety is unknown, and many who have been forced to evacuate. I am deeply saddened by so many things.

We would like to express our sincere condolences to those who lost their lives, and extend our heartfelt sympathies to their bereaved families and those affected by the disaster.

Many disaster victims have continued to live in evacuation centers amid the continuing cold winter weather, and especially in an extremely harsh environment for some time after the earthquake. There is a concern that elderly people and other people's illnesses may worsen or their physical condition may deteriorate.

This earthquake disrupted the road network in the peninsular region, making rescue and rescue operations difficult and resulting in isolated villages.

There are many people who are forced to live extremely inconvenient lives due to the difficulty of restoring water supply facilities and long-term water outages.

I would like to once again express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who is working hard day and night to carry out rescue operations, provide relief supplies, provide medical and health support to disaster victims, and restore lifelines under these difficult circumstances. I think that I want to do it.

Immediately after the disaster, a large number of specialized volunteers and NPOs began working in the affected areas, providing various types of support to those affected.

I feel the importance of detailed support, and I am also very grateful for the efforts of these volunteers and NPOs in the disaster-stricken areas.

Although various difficult situations continue, I sincerely hope that with the support of many people, recovery and reconstruction will proceed smoothly.

This earthquake also caused significant damage to the Noto region's unique traditional culture and industry.

I believe that the history, culture, and traditional industries of a region are important and have served as a stronghold for the hearts of everyone who lives there.

I think it is important to protect and pass on the traditional culture that has been passed down over a long period of time, while gaining the power of young people who inherit traditional techniques.

When it comes to visiting the disaster-stricken areas, I would like to make sure that I can visit the disaster-stricken areas while observing the state of local recovery and listening to the feelings of the disaster-stricken people and the thoughts of the affected local governments and other stakeholders. When the time comes, I hope to be able to visit the affected areas with Masako.

Looking at the country as a whole, many people are living with various difficulties due to natural disasters and rising prices, and many people are in need of support, including the elderly, people with disabilities, and people living in poverty. We are concerned about people who are in a socially vulnerable position, such as people living in poverty and children from households in poverty.

At the same time, I am grateful that there are many people who are working hard to support these socially vulnerable people and protect their lives and livelihoods.

Although there are many difficult times, I hope that people will continue to be considerate and supportive of each other and overcome these difficult situations.

Major natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods occur on a global scale.

In the past year, large earthquakes have occurred in Morocco and Afghanistan, resulting in many people dying, being injured, or losing their homes and being forced to live as evacuees.

Natural disasters that are believed to be associated with global warming are occurring frequently around the world, such as damage caused by heavy rains, wildfires, and severe droughts.

Once again, I would like to pray for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in these natural disasters, and I would like to express my sympathies to those affected.

Regarding "global warming," United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned in a press conference on July 27 last year that the current situation is moving from an era of "global warming" to an era of "global boiling."

As I have stated before, in order to build a sustainable world, we now need people all over the world to pool their knowledge, join hands, and cooperate. I believe that the issue of global warming is an urgent issue that we must seriously address.

Furthermore, wars and conflicts are still occurring in various parts of the world, and many people are losing their lives.

Some people suffer from hunger, poverty, oppression and prejudice, and their lives and dignity are threatened.

I am deeply saddened by the difficult situation the world is facing.

In order to build a peaceful world, I am reminded of the importance of people all over the world working together to understand each other, respect each other, and be considerate of each other.

Despite all this, there have been some bright spots this past year.

In May of last year, the status of the new coronavirus infection under the Infectious Diseases Control Law moved to Category 5.

While it is necessary to continue to monitor the spread of infectious diseases, this year has seen some bright spots as people's daily lives return to normal.

In the field of science and technology, the H3 rocket was successfully launched on February 17th.

Furthermore, on January 20th, the small lunar landing demonstration vehicle "SLIM" successfully made a pinpoint landing on the lunar surface.

Following Hayabusa and Hayabusa 2, this is the culmination of technology accumulated over many years in the field of space development, and I would like to express my respect for the efforts of everyone involved.

Advances in AI technology, such as generation AI, are attracting attention, but in areas affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake, an autonomously controlled portable water reclamation system that combines Japan's excellent water treatment technology and AI has been used to improve bathing. and hand-washing services, which are helping disaster victims in dire straits.

I heard that these efforts are being carried out by companies founded mainly by young people.

I hope that the vitality of young people, including the activities of volunteers from all over the country, will open up new possibilities for our country.

In the world of sports, for example, the Japanese national team won the WBC baseball tournament last year for the third time in three tournaments, and Shohei Otani, who plays in the US Major League, was selected by a unanimous vote for the second time for the first time in history. The younger generation is proud of their daily efforts, such as being selected as the MVP of the shogi game, or Sota Fujii winning the title of ``Oza'' in the world of shogi, becoming the first person in history to win eight crowns. The sight of them opening up a new world has given us bright dreams and hopes.

(Question 2)

Due to a change in the positioning of the new coronavirus, garden parties were resumed last year, and Their Majesties' visits to local areas were also in full swing.

The Empress also accompanied him on his visit to Indonesia for the purpose of promoting international friendship.

Please tell us about any anecdotes or impressions you had at events or places you visited.

Last year, on the occasion of her 60th birthday, the Empress wrote about her thoughts on the future, saying, ``I hope that I can take another step forward with a new spirit and continue to make efforts as I move forward with my life.'' .

Please let us know your thoughts and words that you would like to send to the Empress, who has been with you for 30 years since your marriage.

(His Majesty the Emperor)

As the spread of the new coronavirus infection subsided, we were able to hold garden parties in the spring and fall last year, which had not been held due to the coronavirus pandemic, and we welcomed many people for the first time in a long time. I was happy to be able to do it.

In June, I visited Iwate Prefecture to attend the National Tree Planting Festival.

At the state-run memorial and prayer facility ``Sea View Place'' in the Takada Matsubara Tsunami Reconstruction Memorial Park, we look out over Hirota Bay, where the huge tsunami hit, and remember what happened at the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake, praying for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives. We prayed and offered flowers.

At the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Memorial Museum, we hear from people who are involved in activities to pass on the experiences of the earthquake to future generations, and convey the facts and lessons of the earthquake, as well as people's experiences and thoughts on recovery, to future generations. I felt the importance of going.

For the first time, we were able to see the monument of the ``miraculous pine tree,'' and at the National Arbor Day Ceremony, we were able to plant a southern red pine sapling that inherits the genes of the ``miraculous pine tree.''

Also, at the commemorative ceremony, I was able to listen to a string quartet consisting of the so-called ``tsunami viola'' made using the ``miraculous pine tree'', and I was able to hear a string quartet that included instruments such as the ``tsunami viola'', which I had previously played in a concert. I remembered.

While remembering the hardships this region has faced, Masako and I were truly happy to see that recovery had progressed to the point where the National Arbor Day Festival was held.

In the cities of Rikuzentakata, Ofunato, and Kamaishi that I visited this time, I was able to hear directly from people in the disaster-affected areas, and I was moved by how they continued to make tireless efforts despite facing numerous difficulties. Ta.

As I listened to everyone's stories, I was deeply moved by the fact that, although there are still many issues to be solved, reconstruction is progressing steadily.

I sincerely hope that the disaster-stricken areas will begin to build new communities and achieve true recovery in the future, and I have renewed my desire to continue to pay close attention to the disaster-stricken areas.

In September, we will be visiting Hokkaido for the National Sea Creation Competition, and in October, we will be visiting Kagoshima Prefecture for the Special National Athletic Meet, and Ishikawa Prefecture for the National Cultural Festival and the National Arts and Culture Festival for People with Disabilities. I was able to experience the unique characteristics of each region and gain a renewed sense of the richness of this country's nature, climate, history, and culture.

I sang the song at the beginning of this year's song session, and I was very happy to be able to meet people directly when I visited various places.

It was also comforting to be able to hear directly from various people at each location and see their smiling faces.

When I visited the region, I was grateful that all the people involved had made thorough preparations while paying close attention to infection prevention measures, and that many residents of the prefecture warmly welcomed Masako and I. Together with Masako, I would like to sincerely thank you.

I was very happy to be able to visit Indonesia with Masako in June, which marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of Japan-Indonesia diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of Japan-ASEAN friendship and cooperation.

It was a very memorable experience for us as it was our first official visit to a Southeast Asian country together.

During our visit, we were warmly welcomed by the Indonesian government and people in various locations, including President Joko Widodo and his wife, Hamengku Buwono X, Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, and his wife. I am grateful and sincerely grateful.

I would like to take this opportunity once again to express my gratitude to the many people involved in Indonesia and Japan who worked hard to make this visit a reality.

Through the visit, I was able to deepen my understanding of Indonesia's history and its rich and diverse society and culture, and was also able to witness firsthand the friendship and cooperation that has been cultivated over many years between the two countries. Ta.

He also visited places associated with the Bogor Palace, the Bogor Botanical Garden, Darma Persada University, and Borobudur Temple Ruins, which were once visited by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, and contributed to exchanges between the two countries in various ways. Meeting directly with people from a wide range of generations, I was reminded of the fact that the friendly relations between our two countries have been nurtured through the tireless efforts and exchanges of people across generations, even through difficult times. .

I felt happy and grateful that there are many Indonesian people who feel warmly towards Japan and the Japanese people.

In particular, by interacting with young Indonesian people who are interested in Japan through Japanese culture and language, as well as with Japanese children and young people living in Indonesia, the younger generation will play a role in the future friendship and cooperation between the two countries. I felt there was potential for this role.

I hope that the young generations of both countries will deepen their interest in each other, interact with each other, and play a major role in further deepening mutual understanding and friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries.

I would be very happy if this visit was an opportunity to further deepen the mutual understanding between the people of Japan and Indonesia, and to further develop the friendship and cooperative relationship between the two countries.

With all her ingenuity and effort, Masako has been able to complete all of her scheduled visits to Iwate, Hokkaido, Kagoshima, and Ishikawa prefectures over the past year, in addition to holding ceremonies and other events in Tokyo. is completed.

She was also relieved that the two of them were able to safely visit Indonesia, which was her first overseas goodwill visit in a while, and her stay was longer than when she visited local areas in Japan. I was happy.

Over the past year, the number of events held at palaces and imperial palaces in Tokyo has increased.

I'm still recovering, and my physical condition fluctuates, and I sometimes feel tired for a while after a big event or after a series of events.

In times like these, I hope you get enough rest, and I hope you continue to steadily accumulate the things you can do one by one without overexerting yourself.

Together with Masako, I would like to once again express my gratitude to the people of Japan for the warm support they have shown to me, and I would appreciate it if you would continue to watch over Masako's recovery warmly.

Since marrying Masako, the two of us have experienced many things together, supporting each other and sharing joys and sorrows as we move forward.

Masako is an important person who supports me in my daily activities while watching over the growth of her daughter Aiko, and she has also become a good confidant in both my professional and private life.

I think she is doing a really good job and is often helpful.

I would like to continue to be of help and support to the best of my ability.

We have spent 30 years together, and I would like to express my gratitude to Masako and wish her continued support in the future.

(Question 3)

This year, after graduating from university, Princess Aiko will work as a part-time employee at the Japanese Red Cross Society, and Prince Hisahito of the Akishino family will reach adulthood.

Please tell us about Princess Aiko's recent progress and memorable events during her university life, as well as what her family discussed regarding her employment at the JRCS, the outlook for her public activities, and her thoughts on marriage. .

What do you think of the growth of Hisahito, who is second in line to the Imperial Throne?

Please tell us what you can expect from us in the future.

(His Majesty the Emperor)

Aiko has been able to visit university campuses since this academic year, as the situation with the new coronavirus has calmed down.

I think she is working hard on her studies at university and is having a fun and fulfilling student life with her teachers and friends.

When writing my graduation thesis, I worked hard to write my thesis while reading the thesis and gathering materials from the university library and the stacks of the Department of Japanese Language and Literature after school, with the advice of my supervisors. I was writing.

Graduation is fast approaching, and I hope that you will make the most of the rest of your university life.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the teachers and staff who have provided me with warm guidance, and to my friends who have remained close to me.

During university life, you will not only attend classes in the specialized subjects of the Department of Japanese Language and Literature, but also listen to lectures in liberal arts subjects and other departments, such as Japanese history, Oriental history, traditional Japanese performing arts, and welfare, to broaden your horizons. The experience I was able to have, and especially starting this year, being able to talk directly with teachers and friends on the university campus and exercise together, left an impression on me as an irreplaceable experience. It seems there are.

They also seemed to have enjoyed exploring various places on campus.

Regarding employment with the Japanese Red Cross Society, Aiko also said at an adult press conference, ``I would like to work as a disaster volunteer who works hard to help people, regardless of whether or not they live in the city where they live.'' I was very impressed by his appearance.''As you said, I think you have always had the desire to do something for others.

Under these circumstances, last year, Aiko, along with myself and Masako, heard from the Japanese Red Cross Society about the various activities that the JRCS is doing, and attended a conference held at the JRCS headquarters about the JRCS' relief efforts during the Great Kanto Earthquake. I had the opportunity to see exhibits about medical activities and other things.

Through this experience, I believe that by being involved in JRCS activities, I have developed a strong desire to contribute to society in any small way, and after discussing this with my family, I decided that I would like to work for JRCS. I was very grateful that the JRCS side readily agreed to this.

I hope that Aiko will continue to make efforts to help many people as a member of the JRCS starting this April, and although there may be some difficulties once she enters society, I hope that she will be able to overcome them. I hope that you will continue to grow as a member of society.

She hopes that Aiko will continue to learn many things from various people, accumulate various experiences, expand her horizons, and deepen her own thinking.

She also believes that her work as a member of the royal family will increase at the same time, but that she will continue to cherish each of her duties as a member of the royal family with compassion and gratitude. I hope that this will be achieved.

During this process, she would like to do whatever she can to help us with this.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone for the warm feelings you have shown towards Aiko.

I hope that you will continue to watch over Aiko warmly.

Prince Hisahito turns 18 this year, marking his coming of age.

I have watched him grow up as my nephew since he was little, but lately he has been gradually fulfilling his duties as a member of the imperial family, such as visiting the countryside and Tokyo, and interacting with people from other countries. I feel confident that you are here.

When I meet him, he talks lively about things like dragonflies, growing vegetables, and badminton, which he plays as a club activity, so I think he is having a fulfilling life.

From now on, I think I will be thinking more deeply about my career path to university.

I think he has things he is interested in, things he wants to learn, and things he wants to do, so I hope he will have a fruitful high school life while keeping an eye on his future.

(Question 4)

His Majesty will celebrate his fifth year on the throne in May.

Although we have been experiencing a period of many restrictions due to the new coronavirus, we have been able to travel to various places as much as possible, have also taken online visits, and interacted with many people.

New initiatives were also started, such as meeting with overseas guests around a round table, serving Japanese food for lunch, and toasting with Japanese sake.

Please look back on your path as Emperor and tell us about your discussions with the Empress regarding your future activities.

Also, in your busy schedule, how are you doing with your personal activities, such as researching water issues and transportation history, playing the viola, and mountain climbing?

(His Majesty the Emperor)

Masako and I regret that due to the effects of the new coronavirus infection, it has become difficult to have direct contact with the people, such as not being able to visit rural areas for nearly three years. Under these circumstances, we have thought about what we can do to build connections with people and help the people of Japan.We have also consulted with the Imperial Household Agency and are considering the possibility of online interaction. did.

In addition to being a countermeasure against infectious diseases, online visits also have the advantage of meeting people in multiple locations at the same time, and allowing visits to places that are normally difficult to visit, such as remote islands and mountainous areas. thought.

There may be challenges associated with online use, but we will continue to utilize it in ways that suit the situation.

As the spread of the new coronavirus infection has calmed down, various events have resumed in Tokyo, and it has become possible to visit local areas, allowing us to meet people in person and interact with people. I am very happy to be able to deepen our bond with Masako.

So far, Masako and I have visited various places for various events, to visit disaster-affected areas, and to inspect the state of reconstruction.

At that time, I will listen to many people's stories wherever I go, with the aim of getting into the hearts of the people and being as close as I can to them. I have endeavored to have as many opportunities as possible to interact with the public so that I can get an accurate sense of what needs to be done.

I will continue to consult with Masako and keep this in mind as I visit various locations.

Regarding questions regarding guests from foreign countries, we would like to discuss with Masako and the staff, taking into account the traditions and customs of the Imperial Palace, and welcome each guest in a manner appropriate for the occasion, in order to make their visit even more enjoyable. thinking about.

We hope that this will be an opportunity for us to interact more closely with the foreign guests who have come all the way, and for them to learn about Japanese culture and traditions, as well as feel closer to the Japanese people. I'm here.

Regarding your personal activities, first of all, it has become difficult to find time to practice playing the viola, but I have continued to do so little by little. I feel that I am receiving healing and strength.

Speaking of music, I am very sorry to hear that Seiji Ozawa passed away on the 6th of this month.

Since I was a child, I have fond memories of attending and speaking with Mr. Ozawa at performances by the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, Boston Symphony Orchestra, and Vienna State Opera, which were conducted by Mr. Ozawa.

As for mountain climbing, it may be difficult to stay overnight in a mountain hut, but I would like to continue to experience the beauty of Japan's nature by climbing nearby mountains whenever time permits. Masu.

On a daily basis, I continue to exercise for my health, such as jogging in the Imperial Palace while listening to the changing seasons and the chirping of wild birds, and taking walks with Masako.

Last year, I also had the opportunity to take a rest at the Imperial Ranch and Nasu Imperial Villa in Tochigi Prefecture for the first time in four years.

I was happy to be able to spend my days relaxing and relaxing in the midst of rich nature.

Regarding "water" issues, from the perspective of "water", we address issues related to the stability and development of people's lives such as safe drinking water, water transportation, natural disasters and flood control measures, as well as global issues such as climate change. Water touches many aspects.

Last year, the United Nations held a water conference for the first time in 46 years, and I hear that various countries are making efforts to address water issues.

Last year, I delivered a video keynote speech at the 6th United Nations Special Session on Water and Disasters.

In the lecture, he used the town of Edo as an example, and talked about how Edo was able to survive in those days by building a water supply system, making good use of the shipping network, and promoting flood control measures to protect the town from floods. I introduced that it has developed into one of the largest cities in the world.

Enjoying the benefits of water while also responding to disasters is a common path that all humankind has taken throughout history, and learning about water-related issues also leads to understanding overseas societies and cultures.

For example, when I visited Indonesia last year, I had the opportunity to see the Tugu Inscription, which was created in the 5th century and records the flood control projects of the time.

The fact that they even went to the trouble of carving them into stones to record them shows that flood control projects were of great significance in Indonesia at the time.

We have been trying to deepen our understanding of water issues through these activities, but we hope that we will continue to be interested in them and continue working on water issues as far as circumstances allow. I think.

(Question 5)

I would like to ask you about issues facing the imperial family.

Two years have passed since the report of the government's panel of experts, which discussed how to ensure a stable succession to the imperial throne, was submitted to the Diet.

Please tell us about His Majesty's reaction to the decline and aging of the Imperial Family, and how you envision the future of the Imperial Family's activities.

It has been almost a year since the Imperial Household Agency's public relations office was established, but unlike other royal families overseas, it does not actively disseminate information on social media.

There have been some reports and posts on the Internet that can be interpreted as bashing the Imperial Family, but I would like to hear about how information is disseminated and what measures are being taken to prevent false information.

(His Majesty the Emperor)

Currently, due to circumstances such as the decreasing number of male members of the imperial family, the aging of the population, and female members of the imperial family leaving the imperial family upon marriage, fewer members of the imperial family are able to take on public activities than before. , has been decreasing.

Although this is an issue related to the future of the Imperial Family, I would like to refrain from commenting on matters related to the system.

As I said last year, when considering how to disseminate information about the activities of the Imperial Family, I think it is necessary to go back to the basics of the Imperial Family's role and activities.

I believe that the fundamentals of the Imperial Family's role and activities is to always wish for the happiness of the people and to share their joys and sorrows with them.

I also believe that it is important to fulfill duties that are appropriate to the situation as times change and society changes.

As each member of the Imperial Household faces these roles seriously, fulfills each duty while wishing for the happiness of the people, and continues to have emotional exchanges with the people, the relationship of trust between the people and the Imperial Household is strengthened. I believe that this will continue to be built.

In order to maintain emotional exchanges with the people and build a relationship of trust between the people and the Imperial Family, we believe that it is important to disseminate information about the Imperial Family to the people at the appropriate time and in an easy-to-understand manner. Masu.

I understand that the Imperial Household Agency is currently considering how to disseminate specific information.

(Related questions)

(Question 1)

Happy birthday.

I would like to ask you a question in relation to the part about Princess Aiko that I mentioned earlier.As His Majesty has been watching over the growth of Princess Aiko, is there anything that you can think of that could have caused Princess Aiko to take an interest in welfare or the JRCS? Could you please tell us frankly what you thought when you heard that you wanted to work for the Japanese Red Cross?

(His Majesty the Emperor)

I think Aiko grew up with us and has seen many things we do up close.

Under these circumstances, we sometimes talked to Aiko about welfare, and I'm not sure at what point Aiko became interested in welfare, but I As I listened to their stories, I naturally became interested in welfare myself, and as I said earlier, I gradually developed a desire to help people through welfare. I think that may have been the case.

For this reason, I took a welfare course at university, and when I heard that I wanted to join the Japan Red Cross, both Masako and I thought it would be a great idea. However, I felt that I would like to continue to support Aiko.

(Question 2)

Congratulations.

This is related to the question I just asked, but you said that you thought it was a good idea, but what kind of discussions have you had about Princess Aiko's life overseas, such as studying abroad? I would also like to hear about future possibilities.

(His Majesty the Emperor)

Aiko was raised under our care, but when we have guests from overseas, especially members of the royal family, we ask that Aiko be present as much as possible, and as much as is convenient for them. I would like them to deepen their interactions with various people, including but not limited to members of the royal family of other countries, and to deepen their understanding and knowledge of foreign countries, including countries other than Japan. I think that's how I've cultivated it up until now.

At university, he was interested in studying Spanish as a second foreign language in addition to English, which I think was a very good thing, and then when he was in high school, he studied at Eton School. It was a short-term study abroad program at my school, but I studied abroad with a friend during the summer, and of course I studied the language at that time, but I also went to several places in England, including Oxford, and learned a lot about England. I think I was able to deepen my understanding of the world, and if I go back a little further, I also took my children to the Netherlands when they were children, so through that kind of experience, I think my interest in and understanding of foreign countries deepened. I think.

The other day, I attended a royal luncheon with the president and his wife of Kenya, but I think there will be more opportunities to interact with guests from overseas in the future. I would like them to deepen their understanding, and I think they may even visit overseas someday.

In any case, as I think I've mentioned before, when you're in Japan, you can get a lot of information through the internet, but going to a foreign country and actually seeing the place is like nothing. I think there are things that are hard to replace, and I want people to grow even further by actually going to the place, talking with the people there, and experiencing the society and culture of that country. That's what I think.