Photo/Illutration Empress Masako, who turned 61 on Dec. 9 (Provided by the Imperial Household Agency)

Empress Masako, who marked her 61st birthday on Dec. 9, released a statement reflecting on the past year for her family, the Japanese people and those impacted by the Noto Peninsula earthquake.

“I hope that those affected by the disaster will be able to live without worry someday soon,” wrote Masako, who visited Ishikawa Prefecture, an area heavily impacted by the magnitude-7.6 earthquake, with Emperor Naruhito in March and April.

She also expressed her heartfelt concern over the significant damage caused by heavy rains in September.

January of next year will mark one year since the Noto Peninsula quake and the 30th anniversary of the Great Hanshin Earthquake.

Masako wrote, “As we reflect on the extensive damage from that time and honor the victims, I think it is important to support those affected and to think about and prepare for future disaster prevention and mitigation.”

In November, Princess Yuriko, aunt of Emperor Emeritus Akihito, passed away at the age of 101.

Masako said, “I feel a deep sense of loss” and expressed her gratitude, saying, “(Yuriko) watched over us with warmth for many years.”

Masako’s only child, Princess Aiko, began working at the Japanese Red Cross Society after graduating from Gakushuin University in the spring.

Masako said, “I’m delighted to see her finding fulfillment in her work and dedicating herself to it.”

The empress also expressed her hopes for her daughter: “I wish for Aiko to continue taking care of her health, gaining diverse experience as a working adult and striving to fulfill her duties as a member of the imperial family."

Masako cited sports as one of the year’s highlights.

She touched on Shohei Ohtani’s achievement as the first player in Major League Baseball history to slug 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in one season.

“The way young people like him break new ground through daily effort brings hope and courage to many people in Japan,” she wrote.

The empress also said she was “deeply impressed” by the performances of Japanese athletes at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics.

Masako has been undergoing treatment since being diagnosed with an adjustment disorder in 2004.

A team of doctors treating her disease released a statement saying, “The empress continues to experience fluctuations in her health, and she sometimes feels lingering fatigue after major events or consecutive engagements.”

The Imperial Household Agency said that it arranges the empress’ schedule so that she doesn’t become excessively busy.

During her visit to Britain in June, the agency adjusted Masako's itinerary by carefully choosing the events she would attend.

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