On birthday, Japan’s Emperor Naruhito talks about coronavirus and ill Empress Masako’s ‘ups and downs’
- Japanese Emperor Naruhito offered his sympathy to those affected by the coronavirus and spoke about the health of Empress Masako
- Festivities surrounding the emperor’s 60th birthday have been toned down amid concerns about the virus
Japanese Emperor Naruhito, marking his 60th birthday, offered his sympathy to those affected by the new virus, as concerns over infections forced the traditional gathering of tens of thousands of well-wishers outside the royal palace to be cancelled.
He also addressed the health of his wife Empress Masako, who “still has ups and downs”, as she battles to recover from a long-standing stress-induced illness related to her royal duties.
The health of Masako, who was fit enough to attend all of Naruhito’s ceremonies when he was sworn in as emperor last year, is a major talking point in Japan.
Hopes were raised that she had recovered from her illness as she was present at a series of public events last year but Naruhito warned the empress was “still on the path to recovery”.
“Her condition has its ups and downs and her fatigue tends to be prolonged after a big event or when events take place one after another,” he told reporters at a news conference to mark his 60th birthday.