His Majesty the Emperor's New Year Thoughts

1994 New Year Greeting by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan

The past year has been one beset with disasters. Amid severe economic circumstance, we were visited by a cold summer and experienced in addition such disasters as earthquakes and torrential rains and flooding. More than 400 people are dead or still unaccounted for. It is my deepfelt hope than those who suffered pain or damage will soon recover.

It is highly regrettable that throughout the world many people are still victims of local conflicts. On the other hand, it is gratifying to note signs of muvement in the right direction, as in the case of Cambodia.

I wish that the New Year may prove to be a happy one, for the people of our country and of the world.