Japanese Emperor Naruhito on Thursday gave his first public birthday address since ascending the throne almost four years ago, after delays due to the COVID-19 outbreak, and urged support for people struggling with inflation and the pandemic.
"Many people are having difficulties in their daily life amid the pandemic and rising prices," Naruhito said, according to a transcript of a news conference released on his birthday, hours before he stood on a palace balcony to accept cheers and well-wishes from thousands of citizens assembled on the grounds below.
"But it is encouraging and I am thankful to know that there are many people who support these people in vulnerable positions." Public birthday appearances by the emperor are an annual tradition but the event had been suspended from 2020 due to the pandemic. Naruhito was joined by his wife, Empress Masako, his daughter Aiko, 21, and his brother Crown Prince Akishino and his wife and daughter, all of whom wore white masks.
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