Photo/Illutration Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako pose for photos prior to Masako’s birthday at the Imperial Palace on Dec. 3. (Provided by the Imperial Household Agency)

Peace is on Empress Masako's mind as she celebrates turning 62 after a year of travel around Japan with her husband, Emperor Naruhito, and their daughter, Princess Aiko. 

In her statement released on her birthday on Dec. 9 through the Imperial Household Agency, the empress reflected on visiting sites where many lives were lost during World War II as part of a series of trips commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of the war.

Masako wrote, “This year has been a time when I deeply reaffirmed the importance of protecting peace.”

This year saw Masako visit Iwoto island, formerly called Iwojima island; Okinawa; Hiroshima; and Nagasaki. During these trips, she met with war victims, bereaved families and the younger generation.

In her statement, she expressed her gratitude for elderly people who shared their harsh experiences from the war, saying, “We must not forget that the peace of our country has been built on the long-standing efforts of many people.”

Masako expounded that to protect this peace, she hopes for a society that is tolerant and inclusive where people accept their differences and respect each other.

The empress also expressed heartfelt concern about disasters that occurred both in Japan and abroad, and conveyed sympathy toward those affected.

This extended to the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, as next year is the 15th anniversary, and the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquakes that are also approaching the 10th anniversary mark. 

Masako said she wishes to keep victims and those in areas impacted who have endured great hardship in her heart in her daily life.

Doctors also released their views on the health of the empress, who was diagnosed with an adjustment disorder in 2004.

Masako's 13 visits to regional areas, including online events, this year were the highest frequency of engagements she has participated in during the Reiwa Era (2019-present) so far. 

However, she still experiences exhaustion after a major event or when they take place in succession.

(This article was written by Ayako Nakada and Yasuhiko Shima, a senior staff writer.)

Related News