TOKYO — Emperor Naruhito of Japan delivered poignant remarks ahead of his 66th birthday, expressing profound concern for survivors still grappling with the aftermath of the catastrophic 2011 triple disaster. Speaking just weeks before the March 11 anniversary, the monarch highlighted the ongoing challenges facing affected communities despite visible infrastructure progress.
“While recovery of infrastructure has made progress, I feel that reconstruction of livelihoods and community still needs to be addressed,” Naruhito stated in pre-released comments. He emphasized the persistent emotional trauma survivors endure, noting: “As I think of those who lost their loved ones and had to cope with complete change of their living environment, I feel their scars have not healed yet… they stay despite the passage of time.”
The imperial family, including Empress Masako, Princess Aiko, and Crown Prince Akishino’s family, made a traditional balcony appearance at Tokyo’s Imperial Palace to acknowledge cheering well-wishers waving Japanese flags. This public celebration contrasted with the Emperor’s sobering message about the nation’s unfinished recovery.
The 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent tsunami claimed nearly 20,000 lives, displaced hundreds of thousands, and triggered meltdowns at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. While most radiation-evacuated zones have officially reopened, revitalization remains elusive due to diminished employment opportunities and fractured community bonds.
Emperor Naruhito stressed the critical importance of intergenerational disaster education, advocating for continuous transmission of hard-earned lessons to younger Japanese citizens. He pledged to maintain closeness with affected populations, sharing their joys and sorrows while praying for future disaster prevention.
The monarch also addressed royal succession matters, expressing hopes that Princess Aiko would develop into “a fine person as a human being and a royal member” who might contribute to international peacekeeping. His comments emerge amid ongoing debate about Japan’s male-only succession laws, which prevent the 24-year-old princess from ascending the throne and would require her to relinquish royal status upon marrying a commoner.