Tokyo - Emperor Akihito on Friday voiced his concern Japan's
slide into recession as thousands of his subjects gathered for one of
the rare occasions of seeing their monarch in public.
'I am concerned that many people face serious problems because of
the grave economic situation,' Akihito told the flag-waving crowd
which had gathered in front of the glazed balcony of Tokyo's imperial
palace.
'I hope this year will be a good one for all of you, as far as
this is possible,' the 75-year-old Tenno, whose role is largely
ceremonial, said.
In a New Year address released on Thursday, Akihito made another
rare comment on economic matters, urging the Japanese to unite to
fight recession.
'I sincerely hope that, by gathering together people's wisdom and
by cherishing mutual ties and helping each other, everyone will work
together to overcome these latest difficulties,' the statement said.
The Japanese public has only two opportunities each year to
observe public appearances by the Tenno, one at New Year and the
second at Akihito's birthday on December 23.
The year 2009 brings some celebrations for Akihito, first the 20th
anniversary of his accession to Japan's Chrysanthemum Throne on
January 7, and on April 10 the 50th anniversary of his wedding to
Empress Michiko, 74.
Over the past months Akihito had to cancel several of his public
engagements due to bad health, which his doctors put down to mental
and physical stress.
Because of his fragile health, the number of New Year appearances
by the royal family on the palace balcony were cut from traditionally
seven to five.
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