At around 4 pm on January 1st, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake occurred with its epicenter in the Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa Prefecture. Intense shaking with a seismic intensity of 7 was observed in Shika Town, Ishikawa Prefecture, and a strong seismic intensity of 6 was observed in Nanao City, Wajima City, Suzu City, and Awashimaura Town. Additionally, a major tsunami warning was temporarily issued for Noto, and tsunamis reached the coastal areas. As of February 26th, 241 deaths have been confirmed in Ishikawa Prefecture.

This tragical natural disaster not only damaged people’s lives and homes but also wore our hearts out. It was the same for the Emperor and Empress of Japan. They arrived at Noto Airport (Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture) on a special plane from Haneda on the morning of March 22nd to visit the areas affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake. They visited Wajima and Suzu to inspect the disaster situation using Self-Defense Force helicopters, and also offered condolences to the victims at evacuation centers and expressed gratitude to those who worked tirelessly in disaster response efforts. According to NHK News Web, Emperor and Empress warmed the victims’ hearts by caring about their lives and listening to what they are concerned about the most. The victims say they were given courage to overcome the current situation which is not even close to what it was before the earthquake.

I was surprised to hear that many people were moved to tears when the Emperor and Empress arrived and heard out how they had been since the earthquake. It had never occurred to me that anyone would cry seeing them, but I suppose that it was not only because of the people’s tragic circumstances, but also because of the Emperor and Empress’s graciousness and dignity.