TOKYO (AP) – Japanese Emperor Naruhito expressed gratitude to medical professionals and acknowledged the hardships caused by the coronavirus in a New Year’s message shared via video in lieu of the usual public speech in front of large crowds at the palace.
The Emperor and his wife Empress Masako sat side by side next to a carved bonsai plant in the video.
Naruhito expressed his “deep respect and gratitude” to doctors and nurses who treated COVID-19 patients and offered empathy to those who lost loved ones, lost their jobs, or struggled with loneliness.
“Over the past year, we’ve all faced many troubles and hardships over the spread of this unknown coronavirus that have never been experienced on such a scale for most of us living today,” he said.
He also said he was concerned about discrimination against those who were ill or worked in the medical field, a phenomenon widespread in conformist Japan.
“I look forward to meeting you all face to face again with all my heart,” he said after saying his prayers for world peace.
In Japan, more than 3,000 deaths have been caused by COVID-19. Concerns about a fresh rise in the number of cases are mounting, with a daily record of 1,337 new infections for the capital Tokyo on Thursday.
The Imperial Palace in central Tokyo is open to the public every New Year’s Day, and the crowd on the grounds applauds the appearance of the Imperial family.
The Imperial Household Agency said last month that a video message will be released due to the pandemic. The bigger expectation in Japan was centered on whether Masako would appear. She tends to be withdrawn, suffers from what is described as a stress-related condition, but has appeared at more public events in recent years.
Masako said “Happy New Year” at the beginning of the message and spoke for the last 30 seconds of the nearly seven-minute message. Her beige suit matched the color of Naruhito’s tie.
“I pray with the bottom of my heart that this year will be as kind a year as possible for all of you. This winter has been harsh with heavy snow in some areas earlier than normal, so please keep everyone healthy, ”said Masako.
The video message was Naruhito’s first. His father Emeritus Akihito did two, after the tsunami disaster in northeast Japan in 2011 and when he announced his abdication in 2016.
The emperor has no political power in Japan, but has symbolic significance for many people. Even Naruhito’s grandfather, Hirohito, the wartime emperor, was seen as a gentle man who loved nature in the post-war years.