Emperor Naruhito makes first public birthday address as monarch

For the first time since his accession, Emperor Naruhito of Japan made his public birthday address.

“It’s my first time to receive birthday wishes from everyone like this, and I am very happy”, he said.

He celebrated his 63rd birthday on Thursday and addressed the gathered crown from the palace balcony. He referred to the extremely cold weather this winter and said, “I would like to express my heartfelt sympathy to those affected.”

Before the address, Emperor Naruhito spoke to the press and said, “Many people are having difficulties in their daily life amid the pandemic and rising prices. My heart feels pain when I think about people in vulnerable positions, who are aged, who have disabilities, who are in need of support, and people in poverty and their children. But it is encouraging, and I am thankful to know that there are many people who support these people in vulnerable positions.”

He was joined on the balcony by his wife, Empress Masako, and his daughter, Princess Aiko, and other members of the family.