Addresses by His Majesty the Emperor (2021)

A very happy New Year to you all.

Happy New Year.

Unfortunately, due to the spread of COVID-19, I am not able to speak to you directly at the time of the Visit of the General Public to the Imperial Palace for the New Year Greeting. I would therefore like this year to deliver my New Year’s Greeting by means of a video message.

Looking back over the past year, I was deeply pained by the loss of life caused by the heavy rains in July. I am most concerned for the people who have lost their beloved family members and also for those who have lost their homes and now live in hardship in temporary dwellings.

Over the course of the past year, we have faced various difficulties and ordeals brought about by the spread of the new coronavirus, a previously unknown virus, with a magnitude that most of us living today have never before experienced. Numerous people around the world, including Japan, have lost their lives. I cannot even begin to understand the grief of the bereaved families who lost their loved ones.

I would like to express my deepest respect and gratitude to doctors, nurses and other medical professionals who have selflessly dedicated themselves in such circumstances day and night to medical activities in order to save the lives of many patients. At the same time, I am concerned about the recent situation in which the spread of infections is overwhelming the medical services and putting a further strain on medical workers.

I am also sure that experts in infectious disease control and workers in public health services who have worked hard to prevent the spread of infections, as well as those who work in many facilities that have cooperated with those medical and public health services in various ways, and each and every one of the people are making significant efforts and experiencing tremendous hardships.

This disease has brought enormous changes to our daily lives. In particular, I am concerned for those who are in financial difficulties due to having lost jobs or homes, and also for those who are suffering hardships for various reasons such as feeling isolated, as consequences of the spread of infections. I cannot help but feeling acutely the difficulty of balancing the prevention of the spread of infections with social and economic activities. I am also concerned about discrimination and prejudice towards those who have become infected with the virus and also towards medical workers and family members of those people. On the other hand, I am encouraged by efforts and dedication of those who have been working to stay close to and support the people in difficulties.

We humans have repeatedly experienced horrible pandemics and large natural disasters. I believe, however, that our unity and perseverance have always allowed us to overcome those ordeals. At this challenging time, I sincerely hope that each and every one of us will continue with compassion to help and support one another, holding firmly on to hope for the future and believing that days of peace of mind will return in the near future.

Since ascending the Throne it has been our hope to meet and interact with you as broadly as possible. We are wholeheartedly looking forward to seeing you directly after the new virus has been overcome.

It is my heartfelt wish that you should walk the path of hope this year. I hereby wish the people in Japan and around the world well-being, happiness and peace.

I am sure that many of you have experienced a very difficult time over the past year. I sincerely hope that this year will turn out to be a more peaceful one for all of you.

Also, from early in the winter season many regions have been affected by severe cold and heavy snowfalls. I should like to send my warmest good wishes for good health to you all.

Ten years have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake. Together with you all present here, I should like to express my deepest condolences to those who lost their lives in the disaster and their bereaved families.

Ten years ago today, the immense earthquake and the accompanying tsunami hit eastern Japan, leaving more than 20,000 people dead or missing. In addition, tsunami accompanying the earthquake and the nuclear power plant accident caused by the earthquake has forced great numbers of people to leave the places where they used to live. The magnitude of the damage brought about by the disaster is so profound that the unforgettable memory of the tragedy still persists in my mind.

During these ten years since the disaster, many of those afflicted, in spite of their having suffered from unimaginably enormous damages, have overcome numerous hardships by helping one another. Moreover, national and local governments, more than 160 countries and regions, many international organizations and numerous people including volunteers at home and abroad have dedicated themselves to support the affected areas and people in various ways.

I have with the Empress visited the afflicted regions, which has made me feel that the reconstruction has been progressing thanks to the efforts of all those concerned and the cooperation of the local people. I would like to express my deepest respect for the dedication and incessant efforts of the many people who have been taking steps towards reconstruction.

On the other hand, I hold that various problems still remain in the regions affected. I have heard that even if the reconstruction progresses, there are many problems to be solved in fostering human bonds anew in the newly built regional communities. My heart aches when I turn my thoughts to those who have struggled with various hardships with drastic changes of their living conditions, including those who have lost close ones such as family members or friends, and those who have lost their homes or jobs and been separated from the people of their communities. Besides, due to the aftermath of the nuclear power plant accident, there remain regions where people are yet to be allowed to return to their homes or people have just started to return, and the problem of negative impact of harmful rumor on the agricultural industries in the region also still remains. I also consider it important to heal emotional scars and watch over the mental and physical health of those afflicted, including the elderly and children.

It is a matter of great importance, I believe, that we all keep ourselves united, and everlastingly maintain the will to stand by the afflicted people so that the progress of the reconstruction will steadily bear fruit from now onwards in order to help all of them regain their peaceful daily lives in less than no time without leaving even a single soul behind in this difficult situation.

I, together with the Empress, would like to continue to listen to the voices of those in the afflicted regions and stay close to them.

Last month the earthquake with a magnitude of more than seven occurred off the coast of Fukushima prefecture. Let me express my sincere sympathy for the people affected by the earthquake. That earthquake is considered to be an aftershock of the Great East Japan Earthquake, and as this reveals, I feel it necessary for us to regard the great earthquake not as the event that happened in the past, but as a phenomenon that is still developing in front of us.

When we take a look at the history of our country, we have repeatedly experienced enormous natural disasters. We can find precious records in many regions that those who had experienced various natural disasters in the past had left for us alive today each time they had encountered those disasters. I think it is vital for us never to forget the lessons learned at great cost from the great earthquake and to pass them down to future generations, and to always keep ourselves prepared for coming natural disasters, firmly remembering our experiences and lessons learned through the disaster. I sincerely hope that we will build a nation resilient to the natural disasters by utilizing those lessons learned.

In closing, with my thoughts going out to those who are tirelessly making efforts to overcome various hardships, albeit still struggling with difficulties, hoping together with all those present here today that peace of mind will return as soon as possible to the life of those afflicted people, I offer my sincere prayers to all those who lost their lives in the Great East Japan Earthquake.

President Bach,
Members of the International Olympic Committee,

　The Opening Ceremony of the Games of the XXXII (32nd) Olympiad is going to be held tomorrow.

　At present, countries all over the world are faced with the severe ordeal of the spread of COVID-19, which has been sweeping the world since the end of 2019. The virus continues to make gatherings and connecting with one another difficult.

　Under such circumstances, the managing of the Games, while at the same time taking all possible measures against COVID-19, is a far from easy task. I would like to pay tribute to all those who have been involved in the management of the Games for their efforts at various venues.

　I believe that the reason for the long and widespread support for the Olympic Games is the spirit of Olympism, which cherishes peace and harmony. I myself have a lasting memory of the closing ceremony of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, where athletes from different countries paraded together shoulder to shoulder, not divided by country, and this became the source of my wish for world peace.

　The Tokyo 2020 Games Vision states, “Sport has the power to change the world and our future.” Seeing athletes taking up the challenges of their respective sports, and seeing their families and those who support them, inspires us in many ways. The Tokyo 2020 Games will be held in the face of COVID-19. Caution is also necessary for the heat-wave in the height of summer. I hope that the closely coordinated measures implemented by you and all those involved for the prevention of infection will allow all athletes to compete in their sports in good health with complete commitment and peace of mind. It is my hope that through their performances the Games will be a beacon of hope for a new future. I would like to join you in wishing all the athletes the very best.

　Thank you.

Your Highnesses,
Excellencies,

　Today, it gives me great pleasure to receive all of you who have come here from around the world.

　At present, countries around the globe are facing the very difficult challenge of the spread of COVID-19. It has not been easy for people to gather and connect with one another.

　I would like to express my deepest respect for the efforts of all athletes who have continued to do their best under such difficult circumstances in order to participate in these Games, as well as the efforts of their families and all those who have supported them. It is my hope that the athletes will be able to give their best performance in good health fending off COVID-19 and mindful of the hot weather which may be different from that of their own countries and regions.

　I believe that the reason for the long and widespread support for the Olympic Games is the spirit of Olympism, which cherishes peace and harmony. I myself have a lasting memory of the closing ceremony of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, where athletes from different countries paraded together shoulder to shoulder, not divided by country, and this became the source of my wish for world peace.

　In order to overcome the ordeal of COVID-19, it is imperative for all of us, whether at home or abroad, to work together with an even greater unity of mind. I would like to conclude my remarks with the hope that the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will remind us of the spirit of Olympism, peace and harmony, and that we will relay the torch of that spirit to the future. I would like to join you in wishing all the athletes the very best.

　Thank you.

I declare open the Games of Tokyo celebrating the thirty second Olympiad of the modern era.

On this Day to Commemorate the War Dead and Pray for Peace, my thoughts are with the numerous people who lost their precious lives in the last war and their bereaved families, as I attend this Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead with a deep and renewed sense of sorrow.

Seventy-six years have already passed since the end of the war. Our country today enjoys peace and prosperity, thanks to the ceaseless efforts made by the people of Japan. When I look back on the arduous steps taken by the people, I cannot help but be overcome with deep emotion.

While we are currently confronted with the unprecedented ordeal caused by the severe infection status of COVID-19, I sincerely hope that we all work together with an even greater unity of mind to overcome this difficult situation and continue to seek happiness of the people and world peace.

Looking back on the long period of post-war peace, reflecting on our past and bearing in mind the feelings of deep remorse, I earnestly hope that the ravages of war will never again be repeated. Together with all our people, I now pay my heartfelt tribute to all those who lost their lives in the war, both on the battlefields and elsewhere, and pray for world peace and for the continuing developments of our country.

President Parsons,
Members of the International Paralympic Committee,

　The Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games is going to be held later today.

　At present, countries all over the world are faced with the severe ordeal of the spread of COVID-19, which has been sweeping the world since the end of 2019. The virus continues to make gatherings and connections with one another difficult.

　I would like to express my deepest respect for the efforts of all athletes who have continued to do their best under such difficult circumstances in order to participate in these Games, as well as the efforts of their families, coaches, engineers, and all those who have supported them. At the same time, I appreciate that managing the Games while taking all possible measures against COVID-19 is far from easy. In particular, the Paralympics may present difficulties that differ from those at the Olympics: for instance, the potentially higher risk of exacerbation for athletes with weak respiratory function and athletes with underlying disease. Caution is also necessary for the hot weather which may be different from that of their own countries and regions. I would like to pay tribute to all those involved in management of the Games for their efforts at the various venues.

　My parents, Their Majesties the Emperor Emeritus and the Empress Emerita, warmly watched over the 1964 Tokyo Paralympic Games with their keen interest in the development of parasport. They have told me various stories about the Tokyo Paralympic Games, and I myself, together with Empress Masako, enjoyed watching some of the competitions at the 1998 Nagano Winter Paralympic Games. We recall fond memories of being deeply impressed with the athletes who eagerly pursued their potential during the Nagano Paralympic Games.

　I see the Paralympics, where athletes with disabilities from all over the world challenge their limits with creativity and ingenuity, as an opportunity to remind us of the irreplaceability and preciousness of our individuality. It is my sincere hope that these Games should be an impetus for progress to be made in building a society in which all of us, regardless of disabilities, can live together while placing greater importance than ever before on respecting and caring for one another.

　I hope that the closely coordinated measures implemented by you and all those involved for the prevention of infection will allow all athletes to compete in their sports in good health with complete commitment and peace of mind. I would like to join you in wishing all athletes the very best.

　Thank you.

I declare open the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Professor Meguro,
Distinguished participants and guests,

　It is a great pleasure for me to attend online the opening ceremony of the 17th World Conference on Earthquake Engineering (17WCEE) together with many people from numerous countries and regions around the world.

　Japan is an earthquake-prone country and has experienced countless earthquake disasters in the past. In particular, the Great East Japan Earthquake, which occurred on March 11, 2011 was the largest earthquake in Japan's scientifically observed history with a magnitude of 9.0. Strong ground motion, massive tsunami, and the accident at the nuclear power station, caused enormous damage to Japan.

　Restoration and reconstruction activities in the affected areas are still underway. I would like to express my deepest condolences and sympathy to those who lost their lives, to their bereaved families, to those who have been affected, both physically and psychologically by the disaster, and to those who continue, to this day, to be affected by the disaster. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the people who have been striving to contribute to the recovery of the affected areas.

　Sendai City, where the "17WCEE" is being held, is one of the areas which were severely affected by the disaster. Based on this experience, the city has been focusing its efforts on disaster reduction and environment. In March 2015, the city hosted the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, where the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, which is famous for the slogan, "Build Back Better", was adopted. Sendai City has declared itself a "Disaster-Resilient and Environmentally-Friendly City".
　So, it is very significant that the 17WCEE is being held in Sendai in 2021, 10 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake Disaster. I would like to pay tribute to the efforts made by many people who have contributed to the realization of this Conference, by overcoming various challenges caused by the worldwide spread of the COVID-19.

　With the goal "Towards Disaster Resilient Society", the 17WCEE aims to realize a society with high disaster resilience for both developed and developing countries, and I understand that it plans to hold various events which will offer opportunities for realizing that aim.

　Today, countries all over the world are faced with the severe ordeal of the spread of COVID-19. Measures against COVID-19 and measures against natural disasters including earthquakes both require close cooperation and coordination among the international community. I would like to express my sincere hope that this conference will become an important opportunity for reducing significantly the damage caused by earthquakes and tsunamis, by bringing together experts in earthquake engineering and earthquake disaster management around the world to share research outcomes as well as past disaster experiences and lessons learned.

　Thank you very much.