Emperor Naruhito responds to questions at a news conference held ahead of his birthday on Feb. 23. (Video footage provided by Imperial Household Agency)

Photo/Illutration Emperor Naruhito turns 63 on Feb. 23. (Provided by Imperial Household Agency)

All countries of the world should engage in dialogue to overcome international differences, Emperor Naruhito said during a news conference held ahead of his 63rd birthday on Feb. 23.

“I strongly feel the importance of having all nations strive to resolve problems by holding continuous dialogue to overcome differences with other nations rather than only think about their own interests,” Naruhito said.

The emperor quoted Sadako Ogata, who served as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, about what Japanese society had to do as it moved forward.

Ogata, who died in 2019, said it was vital that Japan learn from diverse cultures and value systems around the world and to foster diversity.

Naruhito said Ogata’s words were important for constructing a peaceful world in the future.

Naruhito and Empress Masako visited Okinawa Prefecture last October to mark the 50th anniversary of the return of the southernmost prefecture to Japanese sovereignty.

The imperial couple met with bereaved family members of those who died in the fierce Battle of Okinawa during the waning months of World War II. They heard about what Okinawans faced not only in wartime but also during the postwar rebuilding period.

“I want to continue thinking about what happened on Okinawan land as well as what the Okinawan people went through,” the emperor said. “I also believe it is important to hold feelings of prayer for peace in Japan and the world.”

The emperor also commented on moves by the Imperial Household Agency to establish a new section in April that will more aggressively transmit information about the imperial family through the internet.

He said it would be important for imperial family members to return to the base of their activities and to always think about the happiness of the people and to share in their joys and sorrows.

While saying it would be important to provide information in an understandable manner and at the appropriate timing to create a relationship of trust with the public, Naruhito said specific details of how that would be implemented will be left up to the Imperial Household Agency.

The emperor also acknowledged changes that had been forced on the imperial family’s activities as well as on the general public due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

He said he would continue to think about those in a weaker position in society who may be increasingly isolated.

June will mark the 30th wedding anniversary for Naruhito and Masako. The emperor expressed his deep gratitude toward Masako, saying she has devoted more than half of her life living with him and the imperial family.

Naruhito also said his only daughter, Princess Aiko, brought an enjoyable and calming atmosphere to the family by providing interesting topics into the daily conversation. Aiko will become a senior at Gakushuin University in April.

EMPEROR GREETS WELL-WISHERS

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Emperor Naruhito speaks to well-wishers visiting the Imperial Palace on Feb. 23, while Empress Masako looks on. (Hiroyuki Yamamoto)

For the first time since he became emperor, Naruhito and other members of the imperial family acknowledged well-wishers to the Imperial Palace on Feb. 23, a national holiday.

“I am happy to be able to receive your best wishes for the first time on my birthday,” Naruhito said. “I pray for your health and happiness and hope each and every one of you can welcome a balmy spring.”

Due to concerns about COVID-19, only people chosen from a prearranged lottery were allowed into the palace grounds for the three sessions in which the emperor appeared at the palace balcony.

(This article was written by Akiko Tada and Ryujiro Komatsu.)

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Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako (Provided by Imperial Household Agency)

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