Emperor Naruhito of Japan uses 64th birthday address to the nation to pay tribute to victims of New Year's Day Earthquake which killed 241

• Emperor Naruhito of Japan, 64, made a speech for his birthday today
• READ MORE: Japan faces its own royal health crisis

Emperor Naruhito of Japan made a poignant speech to families of victims of the deadly earthquake which struck the nation last month – as he and his family stepped out on the balcony of the Imperial Palace for his 64th birthday today.

The 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.

‘I would like once again to express my condolences to those who lost their lives in the Noto Peninsula earthquake last month and to convey my heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved families and those who were affected by the disaster,’ he said.

‘I wish every one of you a peaceful spring.’

Naruhito appeared solemn during the address, sporting a black blazer and white shirt and tie for the occasion.

Emperor Naruhito made a poignant speech to families of victims of the deadly earthquake which struck the nation last month – as he and his family stepped out on the balcony of the Imperial Palace for his 64th birthday today

He was joined on the balcony by his wife Empress Masako, 60, who donned a deep blue collared dress and daughter Princess Aiko, 22, who opted for an all-white ensemble for the day.

The Emperor’s younger brother, Fumihito, Crown Prince Akishino,  58, was also present for the celebration, along with his wife Crown Princess Kiko, 57, and their daughter, Princess Kako, 29.

Fumihito also has two other children – Prince Hisahito of Akishino, 17, and Mako Komuro, 32 – who gave up her title after marrying her husband Kei Komuro.

The Crown Prince followed his brother’s style in a simple black suit, while Kiko wore a coordinated cream dress and hat, and Kako donned a cobalt blue gown.

Reconstruction following the earthquake has come slowly in a largely rural area with an aging population, known for Wajima lacquerware and other handicrafts.

A video released Friday by the Imperial Household Agency showed the Emperor and Empress admiring lacquerware boxes from Noto, with a big round lacquer tray and a Suzu pottery vase, also from the region, placed behind them.

Naruhito, in a pre-recorded press conference, also said he hoped to visit the area with Masako when the local situation allows.

‘The difficult situation is continuing, but I sincerely hope many people will provide support for the steady progress of recovery and reconstruction,’ he said.

He was joined on the balcony by his wife Empress Masako (second from right), 60, who donned a deep blue collared dress and daughter Princess Aiko (right), 22, who opted for an all-white ensemble for the day

The Emperor’s younger brother, Fumihito, Crown Prince Akishino (right), 58, was also present for the celebration, along with his wife Crown Princess Kiko (centre), 57, and their daughter, Princess Kako (left), 29

The Emperor, who will mark the fifth anniversary of his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne on May 1, said he has sought to stay as close to the people as possible.

Since the Noto earthquake, he has made only one other public appearance, at an event marking the 150th anniversary of the Tokyo police in mid-January.

Meanwhile, as the British royals are facing the challenges brought on by a bout of ill health, Japan’s Imperial Household is also dealing with a similar crisis.

Princess Kiko recently contracted a mystery gastrointestinal illness with reports last month saying she was ‘unable to eat normal meals’, and appears to remain on leave from royal duties.

Kiko’s bout of ill health has left her husband, the Crown Prince, carrying out royal duties solo and is unable to call on their daughter to help.

The 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

Naruhito appeared solemn during the address, sporting a black blazer and white shirt and tie for the occasion

The Emperor, who will mark the fifth anniversary of his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne on May 1, said he has sought to stay as close to the people as possible

She was forced to renounce her title and moved to New York after marrying a commoner, in echoes of Megxit.

Elsewhere, Emperor Naruhito’s daughter Aiko has stepped up to fill the void and will host a lunch for the Kenyan president and his wife after Kiko cancelled due to her illness, according to NNN.

Concern for Princess Kiko heightened after news broke that she is suffering from a mystery gastrointestinal illness.

The royal has experienced painful symptoms related to the gastrointestinal system, which has left her unable to eat normal meals.

She reportedly had an endoscopy at Tokyo hospital earlier this year, but no abnormalities were discovered.

The mother-of-three has been advised to ‘rest and focus on recovering,’ according to The Mainichi.

While doctors have advised Kiko to rest, they have suggested that she might be dealing with painful symptoms for the next couple of months.

Japanese citizens pictured arriving at the Imperial Palace to greet Emperor Naruhito during his 64th birthday in Tokyo

Pictured: Crowds around the palace in Tokyo to celebrate the Japanese Emperor’s birthday today

Elsewhere, in instances where Kiko is unable to attend events due to her ill health it is though that her husband will attend solo.

Fumihito has recently spoken out about the slimmed down state of the Japanese monarchy due to male primogeniture rules, meaning only male members of the royal family can succeed the throne.

In November last year, he called for a review of official duties because members are either leaving due to age or marrying a commoner, according to the Japan Times.

‘It would be difficult to pass on (official duties) if the number (of imperial family members) decreases,’ the crown prince told journalists in Tokyo.

Indeed, the family has shrunk in recent times because female members must renounce their royal status up if they choose to marry a commoner.

As it stands, the current total of family members in the royal household in 17, with 12 of them being female.

Princess Mako being the most recent example. In October 2021, she gave up her royal title to marry her commoner boyfriend in a move that has sharply divided public opinion.

Mako, the eldest daughter of Crown Prince Fumihito and niece of reigning Emperor Naruhito, tied the knot with university sweetheart Kei Komuro, a commoner, in Tokyo after an eight-year engagement.

Japan’s strict laws of succession forbid women from ascending to the Chrysanthemum Throne and force them to give up their titles if they marry commoners.

The low-key ceremony was met with protests, and was held behind closed doors without any of the pomp and pageantry of other Japanese royal weddings, which traditionally include a reception and banquet.

Her aunt and uncle, the reigning Emperor and his wife, also enjoyed a parade through the streets of Tokyo on their wedding day.

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