Culture

Emperor and Empress Celebrate 30th Wedding Anniversary, Embracing 'New Possibilities'

"We sincerely hope that the upcoming era will pave the way for all to embark on their journey with bright hopes and dreams" — Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako.

Published

11 months ago

June 11, 2023

The Sankei Shimbun

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, along with their eldest daughter Princess Aiko, pose for photos on May 30 at the Momijiyama Silkworm Farm within the Imperial Palace grounds. (© The Imperial Household Agency)

On June 9, His Majesty Emperor Naruhito and Her Majesty Empress Masako celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. They expressed their thoughts on this special occasion in an official statement released by the Imperial Household Agency.

Their message conveyed gratitude for the enduring connection between the Imperial Family and the people, with whom they have stood together through both joyful and difficult times. Their Majesties also emphasized their commitment to embracing new possibilities for the people of Japan.

*Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and Princess Aiko, on May 30 at the Momijiyama Silkworm Farm within the Imperial Palace grounds. (© The Imperial Household Agency)*

Reflecting on the past three decades, they recalled the significant impact on society of natural disasters like the Great Hanshin Earthquake and the Great East Japan Earthquake. Furthermore, they expressed their continued empathy for those facing various hardships caused by the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Their Majesties recognized that societal and global transformations are reshaping their roles in society. They also expressed their desire to continue supporting the people in difficult circumstances by listening to the "unspoken voices of the heart."

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako concluded by touching on their wishes for their daughter, Princess Aiko, who reached adulthood in 2021. They expressed the sense that each experience and learning opportunity she encounters leads them to new knowledge as well.

The following is the official statement of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress on the occasion of their 30th wedding anniversary, released by the Imperial Household Agency.

Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, accompanied by their eldest daughter Princess Aiko, visited the Susaki Imperial Villa, in Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture. They collected seashells at Mitsuihama Beach. Taken on *August 16, 2018*. *(Handout)*

'Continue to Fulfil Our Duties Together'

We cannot help but feel deeply moved when we think about our 30th wedding anniversary. We fondly remember the day of our wedding — a rainy day three decades ago. Our first audience with the emperor as a married couple was held in the afternoon. After that, we drove through the streets of Tokyo, where we received the warm blessings of the crowds.

Over the past 30 years, our country and the world have undergone significant changes. Throughout this journey, we have shared many experiences and received immense help from countless individuals.

As a couple, we have supported each other by sharing in both moments of joy and sorrow. We are profoundly grateful for the journey thus far.

*Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the procession after their wedding ceremony on June 9, 1993, in the Imperial Palace East Gardens. (© Sankei)*

Throughout these 30 years, our nation has faced numerous natural disasters, including the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and the Great East Japan Earthquake. In the past three years, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought a tremendous impact on society, posing various challenges for people worldwide.

While we are relieved to witness the gradual stabilization of the situation and return to normality in our country, our concern persists for those still enduring various hardships.

Recently, we visited the areas that were devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake in Iwate Prefecture. Witnessing the steady progress of recovery, which was made possible through the continuous efforts and cooperation of the people, deeply moved our hearts. Yet, challenges still persist. We sincerely hope for the ongoing recovery and establishment of new communities in the affected regions.

*Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako talk to a woman serving as a guide at the Iwate Tsunami Memorial Museum. Taken on June 3 in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture. (Handout)*

New Possibilities

The devoted work of Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita, who have always held the happiness of the people close to their hearts, has been our source of inspiration. Learning from them, we aspire to work together for the happiness of our nation.

As the world and society continue to evolve, our role in society also changes. Yet, amidst these transformations, we firmly believe in the importance of the Imperial Family's role, which is to stand together with the people through both joyful and difficult times.

We will continue to travel to various regions to meet with many people, including the elderly, the youth, those who support society, and those who are facing hardships. By lending an ear to the unspoken voices of the heart, we hope to extend our compassion and support. Through these endeavors, we strive to keep our hearts open to new possibilities for the people of this country.

The Emperor and Empress visit Marumori, Miyagi Prefecture, which was affected by Typhoon Hagibis. This was the first time Their Majesties visited a disaster-stricken area since the Emperor's enthronement. Taken on December 26, 2019. (Handout)

Our daughter, Princess Aiko, who is now an adult, has gradually begun engaging in imperial duties. Not only does she bring joy and harmony to our lives, but we also recognize that each experience and learning opportunity she encounters leads us to new knowledge as well.

On this occasion, we wish to once again express our heartfelt gratitude to the people of Japan for their kindness and warmth.

We sincerely hope that the upcoming era will pave the way for all to embark on their journey with bright hopes and dreams.