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.
“I want her never to extend herself too much but continue to work on what she can do,” he said, describing her as “a good consultant on both private and official matters”.
The Harvard- and Oxford-educated Masako left behind a promising diplomatic career to marry into the royal family in 1993.
In Japan, Empress Masako shines in spotlight after 16 years on sidelines
In 2004, the palace disclosed she had been undergoing treatment for stress-induced adjustment disorder, which has forced her to skip some royal engagements.
The couple’s only child Aiko, 18, will study Japanese literature from April at Gakushuin University, of which Naruhito is an alumnus.
She cannot succeed her father as only a male heir can ascend the Chrysanthemum Throne.
Naruhito’s younger brother Akishino is first in line to the throne. His son, 13-year-old Hisahito, is second.
Aiko would lose her royal status once she marries a commoner.
That has raised the prospect of a succession crisis if Hisahito does not have a son but the emperor refrained from commenting on the male-only rule.
He said he talks about the issue with Akishino but went no further than that.
A public gathering to celebrate his first birthday as the emperor was cancelled as fears grow over the spread of the new coronavirus in the country.
“I hope the spread of infections will stop as early as possible,” he said while praying for the recovery of patients and thanking medical workers.
How Japan’s Empress Masako overcame the pressures of the throne
Japan has confirmed more than 750 cases, including 634 from the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which was docked and quarantined in Yokohama, near Tokyo.
While global attention was on the cruise ship, the virus has already made its way into Japan and is gradually spreading in the country, from Okinawa in the south to Hokkaido in the north.
Experts say the infection in Japan is in the early stages of acceleration, prompting the government to prepare for a further spread of the virus.
A series of concerts, athletic events and festivals have been scrapped, with some people starting to question whether Japan can host this summer’s Tokyo Olympics as planned.
Naruhito, citing his fond memories of Tokyo’s first Olympics, which he saw at age four, said he hopes to see this summer’s games carried out successfully.
“For me, the (1964) Tokyo Olympics was my first encounter with the rest of the world,” Naruhito said.
As a young prince, he watched the closing ceremony with his parents. He said watching athletes of all nationalities march together made a strong impression on him.
“The scene I was able to see, I believe, became a foundation of my lasting commitment and prayer for world peace.”
Sunday’s birthday was a special one for Naruhito, his first since becoming emperor. Sixty is considered a landmark age in the Japanese zodiac calendar.
Associated Press, Agence France-Presse, DPA
