His Majesty the Emperor's New Year Thoughts

2002 New Year Greeting by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan

Last year, the tragic incident of a simultaneous series of terrorist attacks occurred, resulting in more than 3,000 people dead or missing, including 24 Japanese. Due to this incident, economic conditions in all countries, including the United States and Japan, are deteriorating even more. I feel that, in order to maintain the stability and peace of the world, it is essential that friendship and cooperation among countries be further strenghthened.

Today Japan is faced with various difficult problems, but remembering that the wisdom and efforts of the people overcame the postwar hardship, I am confident that the people will certainly surmount these difficulties.

I hope that this year will see signs of bright prospects for the people of Japan and of the whole world.