Photo/Illutration Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and Princess Aiko take part in a silk farming task at the Momijiyama Imperial Cocoonery at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on May 30. (Provided by the Imperial Household Agency)

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako celebrated 30 years of marriage on June 9 and reflected on their journey in a statement they released through the Imperial Household Agency.

“We are deeply grateful for the path we have walked thus far while receiving support from many people, experiencing many things together, helping each other, sharing happiness and sometimes sorrow,” the couple said.

They also acknowledged natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The royal couple expressed their compassion toward those who are experiencing various difficulties and their hope for further recovery in areas affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami.

They also referred to Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko, Naruhito’s parents.

“We hope to continue to perform our duties while cooperating with each other and wishing for the happiness of the Japanese public,” they said.

The emperor and empress noted that what they are expected to do in their public duties will change depending on developments in the world and in society.

“We would like to continue to visit various places and listen to people who are facing various circumstances," they said. “We hope we will continue to open our hearts to the new possibilities of people in this country.” 

They also referred to their daughter, Princess Aiko.

“Everything Aiko learns and experiences leads us to learn new things, too,” the couple said.

Naruhito and Masako concluded with, “We sincerely hope the coming ages will be something in which everyone can continue walking on their paths with bright hopes and dreams.”

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