Emperor Naruhito talks of hope and compassion in New Year’s Day speech

Emperor Naruhito addressed the Japanese people on New Year’s Day expressing his hope of compassion in 2024.

The Emperor wants people to continue to support one another after the world faced such a tumultuous year.

He remarked: “I wish moves to support people needing help will increase.”

Japan faced a year of earthquakes, typhoons and snowstorms, and the Emperor alluded to that in his remarks, saying: “I pray that the coming year will be a bright and hopeful one for people in our country and worldwide.”

Regarding the wars and conflicts in the world, Naruhito said his “heart ached for the many lives lost” and that it “once again reminds me of the importance of striving for mutual understanding and cooperation in order to build a peaceful world.”

The Emperor and Empress also attended a New Year ceremony at the Imperial Palace on New Year’s Day alongside other members of the Imperial Family and dignitaries.

Emperor Naruhito told the government and dignitaries: “I am really happy to be able to celebrate the new year with you. At the beginning of the new year, I pray for the happiness of the people and the development of the country.”

The Imperial Family will host New Year greetings for the public on 2 January in Tokyo’s Imperial Palace.

This year marks five years since His Imperial Majesty ascended the throne upon the abdication of his father, Akihito, in 2019.