Emperor naruhito offers new year message

Japan's Emperor Naruhito addressed hundreds of well-wishers from the palace balcony, offering hopes for a “peaceful and good” year and reflecting on the hardships the country has faced. He acknowledged the heavy toll of recent natural disasters — including earthquakes, heavy rains, forest fires and heavy snow — expressing deep sympathy for victims and gratitude for rescue workers, volunteers and local communities engaged in recovery and rebuilding efforts. The emperor said he hopes the coming year will bring steady progress in reconstruction and restore a sense of normalcy for those whose lives were disrupted.

Moving beyond domestic concerns, he voiced worry about conflicts and instability abroad and called for dialogue, mutual respect and stronger global cooperation to confront shared challenges such as climate change, humanitarian crises and public health threats. While adhering to his constitutional, nonpolitical role, he emphasized human values—empathy, resilience and consideration for others—and urged people to act with compassion and solidarity.

The speech was delivered in a calm, measured tone consistent with the long-standing New Year greeting tradition, which aims to offer reassurance and unity. He concluded by expressing his wish that the year ahead allow people to live with dignity and security, and extended his hopes for health and happiness to citizens across Japan and to people around the world.

Members of the imperial family joined him at the palace, including Empress Masako, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko. The address follows the cancellation of the previous year’s public greeting after a massive New Year’s Day earthquake in northern Japan that killed more than 500 people; this year’s remarks reiterated concern for disaster-affected communities and appreciation for those aiding recovery.

He reiterated the personal and collective grief prompted by last year’s disasters, noting how the scale and frequency of events had tested communities and infrastructure across the country. The emperor praised the coordinated response of emergency services, municipal authorities and grassroots volunteers, saying their efforts exemplify the resilience and mutual support that sustain affected areas during long recovery processes. He highlighted the continuing needs of evacuees and those rebuilding homes and livelihoods, urging sustained attention and assistance rather than a short-term focus.

On international matters, he reiterated his hope that diplomacy and dialogue prevail over confrontation, stressing that nations must work together to manage shared risks.