TOKYO (AP) – Emperor Naruhito of Japan expressed gratitude to medical professionals and acknowledged the difficulties caused by the coronavirus in a New Year’s Day message shared by video instead of the usual public speech in front of large crowds in the palace.
The emperor and his wife, Empress Masako, sat side by side, next to a bonsai plant carved in the video.
Naruhito expressed his “deep respect and gratitude” to doctors and nurses who treated patients with COVID-19 and offered empathy to those who lost loved ones, lost their jobs or were struggling with loneliness.
“During the past year, we have all faced many problems and difficulties with the spread of this unknown coronavirus that, for most of us living in this age, we have never experienced on such a large scale,” he said.
He also said he was concerned about the discrimination suffered by those who were ill or worked in the medical field, a widespread phenomenon in conformist Japan.
“I hope with all my heart that I can meet you all again, face to face,” he said, after saying his prayers for world peace.
Japan had more than 3,000 deaths from COVID-19. Concerns are growing about another increase in cases, reaching a daily record of 1,337 new infections in the capital Tokyo on Thursday.
The Imperial Palace in central Tokyo is open to the public every New Year’s day and the crowds applaud the appearance of the imperial family.
The Imperial Household Agency said last month that a video message will be released because of the pandemic. The biggest expectation in Japan was whether Masako would appear. She tends to be a recluse, suffering what has been described as a stress-related condition, but has appeared in more public events in recent years.
Masako said “Happy New Year” at the beginning of the message and spoke in the last 30 seconds of the nearly seven-minute message. His beige suit matched the color of Naruhito’s tie.
“I pray from the bottom of my heart that this year will be as kind as possible for all of you. This winter was harsh, with heavy snow in some areas earlier than normal, so please, everyone stay healthy, ”said Masako.
The video message was Naruhito’s first. His father, emperor emperor Akihito, did two, following the tsunami disaster in northeastern Japan in 2011 and when he announced his abdication in 2016.
The emperor has no political power in Japan, but it has a symbolic meaning for many people. Even Naruhito’s grandfather, Hirohito, the wartime emperor, was seen as a kind man who loved nature in the post-war years.