Emperor gives video speech at U.N. event on water and disasters
In the 11-minute prerecorded speech given in English, the Emperor extended his sympathies to those affected by recent natural disasters, such as a major earthquake that struck Myanmar in March this year and a powerful temblor that hit the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture in January 2024.
He mentioned an artificial waterway constructed in the city of Koriyama in Fukushima Prefecture with the cooperation of Dutch engineers during the country's Meiji Era (1868-1912).
Emperor Naruhito also touched on his official trip to Indonesia in 2023, during which he inspected an erosion-control facility built through Japan's technological assistance.
Water "has become the foundation for friendships and partnerships between people and regions," he said, adding that he "sincerely" hopes that people will be encouraged "to take new action" to tackle water-related issues around the world.
The speech was recorded Thursday.
Emperor Naruhito, who has been studying water issues, has either attended in person or delivered video speeches at such U.N. sessions since his time as Crown Prince.
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