Crown Princess Masako made a rare public appearance April 6, visiting along with Crown Prince Naruhito evacuees who were living near the troubled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant at a temporary shelter set up for them at Ajinomoto Stadium in Chofu, Tokyo.
Crown Princess Masako made a rare public appearance April 6, visiting along with Crown Prince Naruhito evacuees who were living near the troubled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant at a temporary shelter set up for them at Ajinomoto Stadium in Chofu, Tokyo.
Masako has been in ill health for more than seven years and only spends a few days a year fulfilling official duties. The decision was made after the Imperial Household Agency "took into consideration both the couple's wish (to see evacuees) and (Masako's) health," according to a spokesperson.
About 130 people from northeastern Japan, mostly from Fukushima Prefecture, are staying in the stadium's gym. The couple kneeled on the floor and talked to the refugees.
"You must have felt scared," Naruhito said to Junko Kobayashi, a self-employed 39-year-old from Tomioka, Fukushima Prefecture, who evacuated along with her 10-year-old son. "How is your child?" Masako asked.
"My son finally smiled here, seeing books on soccer, his favorite sport," Kobayashi said.
Masako also asked Nanase Fukushima, 7, if she liked the elementary school in Chofu she had just begun attending. When the girl told her she had been making friends, Masako said, "Oh, that's good!"
An evacuee showed concern as she spoke with Masako, saying, "I hope you will get well soon." Masako thanked her.
Seiko Takamatsu, 60, from Namie in the same prefecture, said, "I was grateful that the princess came to encourage us despite her ill health. I told her I'd do my best."
The Imperial Household Agency said it will invite evacuees staying at facilities provided by the Tokyo metropolitan government to cherry blossom viewing at the East Garden of the Imperial Palace on April 8 or later, where the Imperial Palace police music band will play such popular songs as "Sekai ni hitotsu dake no hana" (Only flower in the world) and "Makenaide" (Don't give up).
Meanwhile, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, who visited evacuees at a Tokyo facility March 30, plan to visit another evacuation center in Kazo, Saitama Prefecture, on April 8 at the earliest. Some 1,200 residents from Futaba, where the Fukushima No. 1 plant is located, are staying at the center.
The Imperial Household Agency said that preparations were being made for the emperor and empress to visit evacuation centers in the areas hardest hit by the earthquake and tsunami soon.