TOKYO (AP) Japan’s 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 on Friday.
The Japanese royal expressed his grief for those who lost their lives in the 7.6 magnitude disaster on New Year s Day, which killed 241 people and saw more than 12,000 forced to flee their homes.
On February 23, His Majesty the Emperor celebrated his 64th birthday. Prior to his birthday, His Majesty held a press conference at the Imperial Palace, where he expressed deep sorrow for the victims of the Noto Peninsula earthquake that occurred on New Year s Day.