Emperor Naruhito made his first speech to the nation since a deadly earthquake hit the north-central region of Koto, with a message marking his 64th birthday. The ceremonial monarch expressed grief for people affected by the Jan 1 earthquake, praying for their recovery and saying he hoped to visit the region to console them. Naruhito’s last scheduled national address, an annual New Year event, was cancelled because of the quake. Cheering well-wishers gathered at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo despite cold, rainy weather. Naruhito acknowledged that the number of royals who can perform public duties is on the decline.
