The Sankei Shimbun 
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako viewing books related to Prince Takahito and Princess Yuriko on November 27, Kyoto Imperial Palace. (Courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency)
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On December 9, Empress Masako celebrated her 61st birthday. To mark the occasion, she released a written message through the Imperial Household Agency, reflecting on significant anniversaries approaching in January 2025.
These include the first anniversary of the Noto Peninsula earthquake and the 30th anniversary of the Great Hanshin Earthquake. In her message, the Empress paid tribute to the victims and emphasized the importance of supporting those affected. She also highlighted the ongoing need for disaster prevention and mitigation efforts.
Visits in Japan and Abroad
In March and April 2024, Empress Masako and Emperor Naruhito visited the Noto Peninsula to meet people impacted by the earthquake. The Empress expressed hope for a steady recovery. Reflecting on the heavy rain damage in September, she extended deep sympathy for the affected communities, saying it "pains my heart."
In June, the Emperor and Empress made a state visit to the United Kingdom. They were warmly welcomed by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The Empress expressed gratitude for their hospitality, describing the visit as "deeply memorable."
Princess Aiko's New Role
Empress Masako also spoke about her daughter, Princess Aiko, who has become a working member of the Imperial Family. In October, Princess Aiko undertook her first solo official duties during a regional visit.
The Empress expressed her hope for her daughter, saying, "I wish for her to gain a variety of experiences as a working adult and to continue fulfilling her duties as a member of the Imperial Family."
Honoring Prince Takahito and Princess Yuriko
To commemorate her birthday, the Imperial Household Agency released a photograph of the Emperor and Empress. In the image, the couple is seen viewing poetry collections coauthored by Prince Takahito (1915–2016) and Princess Yuriko (1923–2024) of the Mikasa branch of the Imperial Family. Princess Yuriko passed away on November 15. The Emperor and Empress held the collections as they reminisced about the couple.
In her message, Empress Masako fondly recalled the kindness of Prince Takahito and Princess Yuriko following her engagement to Emperor Naruhito in 1993. "I deeply appreciated their kindness and extend my heartfelt condolences," she wrote.
Additionally, the Imperial Household Agency shared a statement from the Empress's medical team. They reported that her recovery is still in progress. The Empress is expected to continue avoiding undue stress as she recovers.
JAPAN Forward extends Empress Masako our most heartfelt wishes for a wonderful birthday and year ahead.
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Author: The Sankei Shimbun
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