Emperor Naruhito Calls for Peace and Compassion in New Year Message

Emperor Naruhito, in his New Year address released Thursday, underscored the importance of peace and expressed his hope that people around the world will move forward with optimism in the year ahead.

 

Reflecting on memorial visits he made over the past year to Iwoto Island as well as Okinawa, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki—locations symbolizing Japan’s World War II history—the emperor said the trips, marking the 80th anniversary of the war’s end, deepened his appreciation for the peace Japan enjoys today.

 

“I have once again realized how vital it is to pass these experiences and lessons down to future generations,” said the 65-year-old emperor.

 

Naruhito also expressed sorrow over the ongoing wars and conflicts taking countless lives worldwide, calling for greater dialogue and mutual understanding between nations.

 

He extended his concern to those affected by natural disasters across Japan and to people struggling with rising living costs, but said he was uplifted by acts of kindness and mutual support. “I hope that in this new year, people will continue to show compassion and work together to overcome difficult times,” he said.

 

Marking 15 years since the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami that struck northeastern Japan, the Imperial Household Agency is considering arrangements for the emperor and Empress Masako to visit the worst-affected prefectures—Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima. Later in the year, the couple is also expected to visit Kumamoto Prefecture to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 2016 earthquakes.

 

Their daughter, 24-year-old Princess Aiko, will continue fulfilling official duties in Japan and abroad throughout the year.

 

The imperial family is scheduled to host a public New Year greeting at the Imperial Palace on Friday, with Prince Hisahito—who celebrated his coming-of-age last September—joining the event for the first time.