Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako Visit Ozu to Commemorate 2018 Disaster Recovery

Imperial Visit to Ozu

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako traveled to Ozu, located in Ehime Prefecture, to engage with local residents and officials regarding the recovery process following the catastrophic heavy rains that struck western Japan in July 2018. The visit underscores the Imperial couple's ongoing commitment to visiting areas impacted by natural disasters to offer support and encouragement to survivors.

Remembering the 2018 Disaster

The 2018 torrential rains caused widespread flooding and landslides across western Japan, resulting in significant loss of life and infrastructure damage. Ozu was among the hardest-hit municipalities, with the Hijikawa River overflowing its banks and inundating large sections of the city. During their visit, the Emperor and Empress took time to:

• Meet with survivors and families of the victims.
• Listen to accounts of the disaster and the subsequent recovery challenges.
• Express their deep sympathies for the hardships endured by the local population.

Focus on Reconstruction

In addition to meeting with residents, the Imperial couple received briefings on the progress of reconstruction projects. Local officials highlighted the efforts made to improve disaster resilience and restore the community. The Emperor and Empress expressed their appreciation for the resilience of the residents and the dedication of those involved in the rebuilding process, noting the importance of passing on lessons learned from the disaster to future generations.

Continuing Imperial Tradition

This visit is part of a long-standing tradition of the Japanese Imperial family to maintain close ties with the public, particularly in times of adversity. By visiting disaster-stricken areas, the Emperor and Empress aim to provide comfort to those affected and draw national attention to the ongoing needs of recovering communities. The visit to Ozu serves as a poignant reminder of the 2018 tragedy and the collective effort required to rebuild.