Emperor Naruhito Seeks Public Backing for Imperial Family Plan

Tokyo, June 11 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s Emperor Naruhito said Thursday he hopes a plan regarding the number of Imperial Family members that wins public support will be created. “I hope it will be something that gains the understanding of the people,” he said at a press conference held at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo ahead of his official visits to the Netherlands and Belgium with Empress Masako from Saturday to June 26. On Wednesday, the leaders and deputy leaders of both chambers of the Diet, Japan’s parliament, and political parties forged the Japanese legislative branch’s consensus proposal for securing a sufficient number of Imperial Family members. The proposal includes two measures, with one enabling female Imperial Family members to retain their Imperial status after marriage and the other calling for the adoption of male members in the paternal line of former Imperial Family branches back into the family. Emperor Naruhito refrained from commenting on the content of the consensus proposal. On Japan’s ties with the Netherlands and Belgium, he said, “While there is a long history of friendship, we must not forget that there were also difficult times.” Referring to the internment of Dutch nationals by the former Japanese military during World War II, the Emperor said, “I want to keep in mind that there are people who are still suffering the pain of those experiences.” “While renewing our appreciation for the preciousness of peace, I would like to cherish exchanges with the people of both countries,” he said. The Emperor expressed hope that the trips “will help deepen exchanges, mutual understanding and friendly ties” between people of Japan and those of the two European countries. He also said he wants to renew longstanding personal relationships with members of the Dutch and Belgian royal families. He reiterated that international goodwill is “one of the important roles of the Imperial Family.” On his daughter, Princess Aiko, the Emperor said she “likely gained valuable experience” from her visit to Laos last November, which was the 24-year-old princess’ first official trip abroad. “It is important for every member of the Imperial Family, including young ones, to fulfill their responsibilities in their respective positions, remain close to the public and promote friendship with the international community,” he added, citing activities such as visits to disaster-hit areas. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]