His Majesty the Emperor's New Year Thoughts

1993 New Year Greeting by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan

The past year has witnessed regional fightings accompanyign many casualties at various places in the world and, to my regret, cannot be termed a peacefulyear.

In our country the number of victims of natural calamities has been reduced to the lowest so far last year. It can be attributed to the favorable natural condition, but owes in large measure to the efforts of the people concerned, for which I am deeply grateful.

I am worried, in the meantime, that there may have a large number of people who had to suffer much from the severe economic condition.

I am praying the New Year would be a happy one for the people of our country and for the people of the world.