03-05-2025
Japan's Princess Aiko delivers 1st official address at int'l medical conference in Tokyo
TOKYO -- Princess Aiko, daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, delivered her first official address May 3 at the opening ceremony of an international medical conference in Tokyo, stating, "As disasters become more severe and frequent worldwide, the importance of disaster medical care and emergency medicine is increasing more than ever."
Princess Aiko expressed her expectations for the 23rd Congress on Disaster and Emergency Medicine, a conference held by the World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine, which draws young researchers from various countries.
Before attending the opening ceremony, Princess Aiko received a lecture in late April at the Imperial Residence from experts including Yasuhiro Otomo, the director of the National Disaster Medical Center and chairperson of the association's organizing committee. According to Otomo, the princess, who works at the Japanese Red Cross Society, which does relief and rescue work during disasters, showed a keen interest in disaster medical care.
In her speech, Princess Aiko stated, "It is crucial to establish support systems for foreigners, pregnant women and infants, as well as to provide medium- to long-term support including mental health care for disaster victims." She added, "Building a system where everyone's dignity is protected and they can receive appropriate medical and health services is extremely important."
