Japan emperor turns 62, calls for hope to overcome pandemic
ABC News
Japan’s Emperor Naruhito, marking his 62nd birthday, has called on people to keep “the fire of hope” burning in their hearts and support each other to overcome the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic
TOKYO -- Japan's Emperor Naruhito, marking his 62nd birthday on Wednesday, called on people to keep “the fire of hope” burning in their hearts and support each other to overcome the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Naruhito said his heart aches thinking about people who have lost their jobs, struggled financially or felt isolated due to the pandemic.
“The difficult situation has persisted, but I strongly believe that it is possible that we can overcome this severe reality with patience by caring for each other, sharing each other's pain and by making efforts to support each other,” Naruhito said at a palace news conference held ahead of his birthday.
His birthday greetings to the public at the palace were canceled for a third year, and a palace ceremony was also scaled down because of the pandemic.
