ID :
168799
Wed, 03/16/2011 - 22:52
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/168799
The shortlink copeid
Emperor hopes people will be kind to each other in overcoming disaster
TOKYO, March 16 Kyodo - Emperor Akihito said in an unprecedented video message Wednesday that he is hurt by the devastation caused by last Friday's earthquake and ensuing tsunami, and expressed hope that the people in Japan will overcome the challenges they face by caring for each other.
''I am deeply hurt by the grievous situation in the disaster-hit areas,'' the emperor said in a video footage released by the Imperial Household Agency. ''I sincerely hope that people will overcome this unfortunate time by engendering a sense of caring for other people.''
It is the first time the emperor has appeared in a video message to convey his feelings to the public. The footage was released following strong wishes by the emperor and Empress Michiko to directly communicate with the public, as they are very concerned about the extensive and grave damage wrought by the earthquake, according to the agency.
''I was greatly moved by the braveness of the survivors who are encouraging themselves in trying to live on through this enormous disaster,'' the emperor said.
''I hope that those affected by the earthquake will not give up hope and strive to survive, while taking care of their health,'' he added.
The emperor also called on each citizen to continue to have sympathy for the disaster-hit areas and remain supportive of their road to recovery.
In addition, the emperor expressed gratitude to the relief efforts made by Japan's Self-Defense Forces, the Japan Coast Guard, police, firefighters and rescue workers from in and outside Japan.
Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko have sent relief money to Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, Ibaraki and Chiba prefectures, which were severely hit by the earthquake and tsunamis, the agency said.
The imperial couple have voluntarily cut electricity at their residence in Tokyo for two hours daily as they want to share the hardship experienced by the people under the power rationing measure taken by electric companies, the agency said.
''I am deeply hurt by the grievous situation in the disaster-hit areas,'' the emperor said in a video footage released by the Imperial Household Agency. ''I sincerely hope that people will overcome this unfortunate time by engendering a sense of caring for other people.''
It is the first time the emperor has appeared in a video message to convey his feelings to the public. The footage was released following strong wishes by the emperor and Empress Michiko to directly communicate with the public, as they are very concerned about the extensive and grave damage wrought by the earthquake, according to the agency.
''I was greatly moved by the braveness of the survivors who are encouraging themselves in trying to live on through this enormous disaster,'' the emperor said.
''I hope that those affected by the earthquake will not give up hope and strive to survive, while taking care of their health,'' he added.
The emperor also called on each citizen to continue to have sympathy for the disaster-hit areas and remain supportive of their road to recovery.
In addition, the emperor expressed gratitude to the relief efforts made by Japan's Self-Defense Forces, the Japan Coast Guard, police, firefighters and rescue workers from in and outside Japan.
Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko have sent relief money to Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, Ibaraki and Chiba prefectures, which were severely hit by the earthquake and tsunamis, the agency said.
The imperial couple have voluntarily cut electricity at their residence in Tokyo for two hours daily as they want to share the hardship experienced by the people under the power rationing measure taken by electric companies, the agency said.
