Queen Masako speaks about 30 seconds in a New Year video
“Unprecedented” report
Emperor Naruhito and Queen Masako. The Japanese Imperial Household Agency
On the 1st, Queen Masako, the wife of Emperor Naruhito, sat side by side with her husband and spoke to the public. It was reported on this day that the queen was unprecedented in attending with the Emperor and speaking publicly. It is the first time since a press conference in 2002 that Queen Masako, who is being treated for adaptation disorder, gave a message to the public through fostering. Queen Masako sits next to Emperor Naruhito in a video message released by the Imperial Household Agency, an administrative agency in charge of Japanese royal affairs. Most of the 6 minutes and 45 seconds videos are filled with scenes spoken by Emperor Naruhito, but Queen Masako’s comments were also recorded for 32 seconds. Right after Emperor Naruhito said “Congratulations to the New Year,” at the beginning of the video, Queen Masako immediately follows, saying “Congratulations.” Emperor Naruhito spoke again and Queen Masako said for about 30 seconds at the end, “I think many people this year have been very difficult. I sincerely wish this year to be a quiet year for you. Also, from early this winter, severe cold and heavy snow are coming from all over. I hope you all take care of yourself.” It is pointed out that this video is a message praying for the peace of its own people, and although the content itself was plain, it was a symbolic event that broke a kind of taboo that continued in the Japanese royal family. The royal video message was first announced by Emperor Akihito at the time after the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011, and it was the second time that Akihito expressed his intention to abdicate in August 2016. In both cases, the Queen Michiko was not present at the time. During the reign of Akihito, Queen Michiko did not participate in the New Year’s message. Emperor Naruhito also released a message by himself on January 1 of last year, the first New Year after the conquest. However, as the spread of Corona 19 this year prevents the general public from holding a New Year’s celebration to visit the royal palace in Tokyo, it seems that the video has changed to a way for the couple to present messages side by side. It is noteworthy whether the Japanese royal family, which is criticized for being out of touch with the times, such as gender discrimination for reasons of authority and tradition, will change with this opportunity. By Kim So-yeon, staff reporter [email protected]