Emperor Akihito's Speech Commemorating the Third Anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake

Emperor Akihito. Image: Wikimedia Commons

Here is Emperor Akihito's speech in commemoration of the Third Anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake last March 10. 

As we commemorate the third anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, together with the people gathered here today, I would like to again offer my deepest condolences to those who lost their lives in the disaster and their bereaved families.

The huge earthquake and tsunami that struck eastern Japan three years ago today left more than twenty thousand people dead or missing. Many people are still living under difficult conditions whether they are in the afflicted regions or in the places where they evacuated to. The nuclear power plant accident caused by the disaster is making some regions still off-limits because of radioactive contamination, forcing many people to leave the places where they used to live. It pains me greatly to think that so many people do not yet know when they can go back to their own homes.

In the past three years, people in the afflicted regions, still living under severe conditions, have overcome numerous difficulties with a strong sense of solidarity and made great efforts towards reconstruction. I am also heartened to see that many people, both at home and abroad, continue to support these efforts in various ways.

My thoughts go out to the afflicted people who must still be experiencing various hardships. In order to ensure that they can live in good health, and that they can live without losing hope, it is important that everyone's hearts be with the afflicted for many years to come. It is my hope that people will never forget this disaster and hand down the lessons we learned to future generations, and foster a proper attitude towards disaster prevention, with the aim of making our country a safer place.

Together with the people gathered here today, I would like to express my hope that days of peace and quiet will return as soon as possible to the afflicted regions. In closing, I offer once again my most sincere condolences to all those who lost their lives in the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Source: The Imperial Household Agency

Crown Prince Felipe and Crown Prince Naruhito Visit the Canal de Isabel II

Don Felipe and Prince Naruhito visited the Canal de Isabel II, which controls the water cycle in Madrid.

During his visit, the Prince of Asturias and Crown Prince of Japan toured the Main Control Center and activated carbon filters in the treatment plant, together with the President of the Community of Madrid, Ignacio Gonzalez, Secretary of State for the Environment, Federico Ramos de Armas, the mayor of Majadahonda Foxá Narcissus, the Minister of Presidency and Government spokesmen of the Community of Madrid and president of Canal de Isabel II Management, Salvador Victoria, the general Director of Canal de Isabel II Management, Adrian Martin, and deputy director of Water Quality, Alfonso King, among others.

Currently, Canal de Isabel II operates 14 reservoirs, 81 groundwater catchments, 374 tanks, 18 pump stations, 13 water treatment plants drinking, over 16,000 kilometers of network adduction and a distribution network of 7,000 kilometers of sewer, 150 wastewater treatment plants, 30 depots and 236 kilometers reclaimed water pipeline for transport.

Canal de Isabel II is the public body responsible for the management of the water cycle in Madrid. The company was founded in 1851 and its launching marked the entrance to modernity.

Crown Prince Felipe and Crown Prince Naruhito at the opening ceremony Dual Year of Spain-Japan

June 11 - Crown Prince Felipe of Spain and Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan co-chaired the very first activity of the Spain-Japan Dual Year.

During his speech at the opening ceremony of the meeting of the bilateral meeting for Spanish-Japanese business cooperation, Don Felipe has highlighted the cooperation between Spanish and Japanese economies Don Felipe also stressed that "the presence of Japanese industrial is also important for the pulse of the economy of our country. With more than 3,000 million euros direct investment in Spain, Japan ranks as the 12th biggest foreign investor in our country. Approximately 150 Japanese companies bring nearly 3,000 jobs to our country, thus contributing very relevant to the enhancement of skills and dynamism of our business." He also noted that the momentum of the business cooperation between the two countries will significantly contribute to the increase in economic and trade flows.

Don Felipe also expressed confidence that the Dual Year will help strengthen the relationships of the two countries, which began four centuries ago.

The Chambers of Commerce, in collaboration with the Institute for Foreign Trade (ICEX), the Spanish Confederation of Business Organisations (CEOE) and the Chamber of Commerce in Japan, has organized this meeting, which welcomed the various companies from both countries.

After the inauguration, the sessions continued, which analyzed the economic prospects of both countries, joint business ventured with third-world countries, and the promotion of collaboration between Spanish and Japanese SMEs. 

King Juan Carlos hosts luncheon in honor of Crown Prince Naruhito Japan

June 11 - King Juan Carlos of Spain hosted a lunched in honor of Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan. The heir to Japan’s Chrysanthemum throne is on a six-day tour in Spain to commemorate Japan and Spain’s 400-year tie, which commenced June 10 and ends on June 15.

With King Juan Carlos were Queen Sofia, the Prince and Princess of Asturias, and Infanta Elena at the Zarzuela Palace.

The Japanese crown prince is set to preside over the inauguration of the "Year of Spain in Japan,” and a full program of activities is expected to keep the visiting royal busy.

The Prince of Asturias and the Crown Prince of Japan hold the honorary presidency of the "Year of Spain in Japan" and "Year Dual Spain-Japan", respectively.

The "Spain-Japan Dual Year" is aimed at promoting Spain in Japan, as well as fostering trade and understanding between the two countries, reflect the profound changes that Spanish society has undergone in recent decades and to promote a more dynamic and diversified relations between the two of the world’s most progressive countries.

Prince Arthur confers Garter to the Japanese emperor

Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, confers the Order of the Garter 

to the Japanese Emperor. (Image source Wikimedia Commons)

Tokyo, Feb. 20, 1906—Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, has invested Japan's Emperor Meiji with the Order of the Garter, reports the New York Times. The event has been described as an "impressive ceremony" witnessed by around 80 people, including the "Crown Prince and other imperial princes." Also present in the event were the Japanese premier and other ministers of His Imperial Majesty's government. The British delegation also witnessed the occasion. The Emperor expressed his "grateful appreciation" for Britain's cordiality.

A "wildly enthusiastic" welcome for the prince

Prince Arthur arrived on Feb. 19.  The locals welcomed King Edward's envoy (and brother) with wild enthusiasm. The Emperor broke precedence and himself welcomed the British prince at the Shisabi station. The streets of Tokyo were bedecked with "flags, lanterns, flowers and triumphal arches."

Prince Arthur rode a Court carriage and was taken to Kasumigaseki Palace, accompanied by Crown Prince Arisugawa. Accompanying him were the Imperial Lancers with the military band playing British anthem. A royal salute was fired upon the party's arrival, while throngs of crowd lines the streets and flocked Hibya Park to enthusiastically welcome the Prince.

The British visit was declared a special holiday, given that the occasion will forevermore remain as "one of the most important events in the history of Japan."

A dinner was held in honor of Prince Arthur on the eve of the Emperor's investiture.

Princess Takamado recalls husband

Princess Takamado

In an interview with The Daily Yomiuri, Princess Takamado reveals that she felt her husband, who died unexpectedly of a heart attack at the age of 47 in 2002, is merely away from home and will return shortly.
Prince Takamado was extremely popular in his role as intermediary between the Imperial family and the people. Nov. 21 marks the 10th anniversary of his death. The prince was the third son of Prince Mikasa, Emperor Showa's brother, and Princess Mikasa. After graduating from Gakushuin University and studying in Canada, he worked as a nonregular staff member at the Tokyo-based Japan Foundation.


After marrying his wife in 1984 and establishing the Takamado branch of the Imperial family, he acted as a public relations man for the Imperial family, and enjoyed exchanges with young people who would become the next generation of leaders.

After Prince Takamado died, Princess Hisako took over her husband's official duties in such fields as international goodwill and music and sports, to which her husband was strongly committed. Currently, Princess Hisako acts as president or honorary president of more than 20 organizations.

Japan’s Prince Tomohito dies

Prince Tomohito of Mikasa

Prince Tomohito of Mikasa, the eldest cousin of Emperor Akihito, succumbed to cancer, Wednesday, June 13. He was 66.


The prince, a self-confessed alcoholic and the most opinionated member of the Japanese Imperial Family, was known for his fierce opposition of letting a female inherit the Chrysanthemum Throne.

He prince was plagued by health problems since the 1990s. In 1991, he was operated for cancer-related ailment, and battled alcoholism half his life. In March this year, he underwent surgery to remove the cartilage the blocked his throat after complaining of his difficulty swallowing.

Prince Tomohito, born June 5, 1946 was the eldest son of Prince and Princess Mikasa. Dubbed as the “Bearded Prince,” he was the first member of the Imperial Family to sport a full beard after Emperor Meiji.
The prince finished at the Faculty of Law at Gakushuin University in 1968 and proceeded to Magdalen College in Oxford.

In 1980, he married Princess Tomohito, the former Nobuko Aso, the third daughter of Takakichi Aso, chairman of Aso Cement, and his wife Kazuko, daughter of former Prime Minister Shigero Yoshida and sister of another prime minister, Taro Aso.

The couple had two daughters, Princess Akiko and Princess Yoko.

The prince held a position at the organizing committee of the Sapporo Winter Olympics in 1972, as well as of the Okinawa World Fair in 1975. He also headed, in an honorary basis, a variety of organizations that supports cancer research (himself a victim), education, and international relations.

Prince Tomohito was open about his alcoholism, discussing it vividly during press interviews. He said that it began as a teenager, but intensified later as problems arose within the imperial family, according to media reports at the time. His dependency was an ongoing struggle. In 2009, he was hospitalized for alcoholism five times within a six month period.

The prince staunchly opposed letting a female inherit the throne. Although members of the Imperial Family were barred from intervening in politics, the prince stepped out to contend on the government proposals in allowing female sovereigns.

In his point of view, breaking with tradition and allowing a woman to reign would over time compromise the imperial family’s significance. Instead, he said Japan should consider other options that would ensure producing a male heir.  One of his proposed fixes: reintroduce concubines. In one private essay circulated to palace officials in 2005, the prince said:  “Using concubines, like we used to, is one option. I’m all for it, but this might be a little difficult considering the social climate in and outside the country.”

Ever the conservative, the prince even suggested bringing back former branches of the royal family that were abolished after World War II.

Government Urged to Take Speedy Actions on Imperial Issues

Emperor Akihito is faced by changes in the succession law. 

Japan’s government is urged to hasten efforts to revise the Imperial House Law to focus on other issues that need more attention. In a news in Daily Yomiuri, government hearings have been divided over two issues: one was the support for the ideal that current Emperor Akihito has pursued--the Emperor as a symbol of the nation. The other was a sense of urgency that the number of Imperial family members will plummet in the near future if the current situation remains unchanged, possibly making it difficult to maintain the Imperial House. 

Emperor Akihito Turns 78

Reflections for 2011.

Emperor Akihito, with Empress Michiko, delivers his speech before
cheering crowd during his 78th birthday at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, December 23, 2011.

Emperor Akihito of Japan celebrates 78^thbirthday on June 23. Since his ascension to the Chrysanthemum throne which is considered as the oldest existing monarchy in the world, the Japanese has never lost their reverence and respect to the emperor who remains their source of strength and unity. Amidst the merriment and cheers, the 78^thyear old monarch mirrors on the year that was 2011, not only for himself or for his reign, but also for the Japanese people.

“Looking back on this year, I must say this has been a truly distressing year, dominated by disasters,” His Majesty said.

“However it has been encouraging to note that the people in the afflicted areas are enduring the harsh conditions in evacuation and that many people are volunteering to support the victims. I feel that the Japanese people have come together as a nation to squarely face the disaster and do what they can to be of help for the victims.”

The Emperor reflects on massive the East Earthquake, that stuck March 11 and led to massive tsunami that left more than 20,000 people.

“My thoughts go out to the people who lost members of their families and loved ones. Their sorrow must be truly heart-rending. My heart goes out to those who lost their homes and livelihoods and those who can no longer live in the places they used to live because of the nuclear plant accident,” he said.

“In the aftermath of the disaster, the Empress and I visited the areas afflicted by the disasters and the evacuation centres for the victims in many areas to offer comfort and encouragement to them. On all of these visits we were most touched to see that, in spite of the sadness and hardships they must be facing, the people never seemed to lose their composure and, with a strong sense of solidarity, they were trying to overcome their hardships by helping each other.”

The Emperor also thanks the Self-Defense Forces, the police, the firefighters, the Japan Coast Guard, as well as the international community for the help and condolences they sent. But his mind is still on those suffering from the March disaster.

“The afflicted areas will soon be facing a bitter cold winter. I am concerned about the health of the survivors, especially the elderly, who live under inadequate living conditions. It is my sincere hope that they will remain in good health through the cold winter.”

Moreover, the emperor mentions natural disasters elsewhere, particularly those that struck Thailand, where major flooding impacted the country.

“The disasters in Japan and the floods in Thailand remind us once again that we live in a world today in which our lives are closely linked with the lives of peoples of other countries.”

Lastly, the emperor talked about his recent hospital stay for bronchitis.

“I would like to express my gratitude to all the people for their concern and compassion regarding my health when I was hospitalized last month for mycoplasma infection. It has now been several weeks since I left hospital and I have been able to resume the official state duties that I had entrusted to the Crown Prince and I now feel that my physical condition is back to how it was prior to my hospitalization. I shall take good care of my health as I resume my works from now on through various events related to the coming of the New Year.”

“Only days remain before the end of the year. My heart will be always with the afflicted people in the coming new year as has been the case thus far. I sincerely hope that the coming year will be a better year for everyone.”

About Emperor Akihito

Emperor Akihito was born December 23, 1933. He is the eldest son and fifth child of Emperor Hirohito and Empress Nagako. The Emperor was tutored English and Western etiquette by Elizabeth Gray Vining and later attended at the Department of Political Science at the Gakashuin University. He was invested as Heir-Apparent to the Chrysanthemum Throne Nov. 10, 1952 and the following year, he represented his father the emperor at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, his first of the dozens of trips he made to 37 years as crown prince. He succeeded as Japan's 125^th emperor on the death of Emperor Hirohito, Jan. 7, 1989. His formal accession took place Nov. 12, 1990. Since his accession, the emperor gave his best to bring the Imperial Family closer to the public, visiting 18 countries and all of Japan's 47 prefectures since he inherited the crown.

Akihito is the first Japanese emperor to made televised appearance, during the earthquake and tsunami that hit the country and the succeeding Fukushima I nuclear crisis in 2011, perhaps the most trying moments of his reign. In it, the emperor urged the country to keep hoping and helping one another.

Together with Empress Michiko, he toured numerous shelters for refugees to rekindle their hope, a very rear opportunity that the emperor grabbed to boost the country's morale.

The Emperor is a published ichthyology researcher, with emphasis in family Gobiidae. In 2005, a newly described goby, Exyrias akihito was named in his honor.

Emperor Akihito married Michiko Soda (born Oct. 24, 1934), the first-born daughter of Hidesaburo Shoda, president and later honorary chairman of Nisshin Flour Milling. She was the commoner to become Japanese' empress-consort. Their marriage is a happy one and they have two sons and one daughter: Crown Prince Naruhito (born Feb. 23, 1960); Prince Akishino (botn Nov. 30, 1965); and the former Princess Sayako (Mrs. Kuroda, born April 18, 1969).  

The Emperor and Empress cheer well-wishers.

The Japanese Imperial Family, from left to right, Crown Princess Masako,
Crown Prince Naruhito, Emperor Akihito, Empress Michiko, Prince
Akishino, his wife Princess Kiko, and their daughter Princess Mako.

Well-wishing crowd cheers during Emperor Akihito's 78th birthday.

The Emperor waves on well-wishers while speaking before them.

Crown Prince Naruhito

Crown Princess Masako.

Photo Source, Daylife, retrieved Dec. 24, 2011.