Yesterday, Emperor Akihito of Japan had given a video message to the people of Japan. The intention of the Emperor was to enable the emergency news to override the speech. It is extremely rare for the Emperor to appear in the news to give the official public speech. Yet, as an honorable human being, he was putting the emergency broadcast as the highest priority, In the event of emergency (catastrophic event), he was allowing the news media to cut him off...
Following are the very rough translation of mine. I was compelled to do so as my contribution to the victims and the rescue workers in Japan and, of course, to the Emperor Akihito. Although I have translated it to the best of my knowledge and ability, some areas may need to be corrected. You are free to re post this, and share this with anyone. If possible, give me the credit for the translation.
If you would like to read the Japanese original version, please go to:
http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/videonews/jnn?a=20110316-00000068-jnn-soci
You can view and listen to the message via youtube below.
...and here is the English translation.
"At this time, Tohoku earthquake was unprecedentedly large earthquake with 9.0 magnitude, and my heart is aching towards the devastating/tragic status quo of the disaster areas.
The death toll, due to the earthquake and tsunami, are rising/increasing daily, also the (total sum of) number of victims are unknown. I am hoping that the safety of as many people would be confirmed.
Furthermore, I am currently deeply concerned about the unpredictable situation at the Nuclear Power Plant, and I sincerely hope that with the endeavor of the persons concerned/involved, much worse situation will be averted.
Currently, the whole nation is going into the rescue operation, in the middle of the severely cold weather, many people are taking refuge at the shelter in the dire condition, due to lack of food, drinking water, and the fuels, owing to circumstances beyond their control.
I do hope from the deepest of my heart for the swift rescue of the people by putting all of the might towards it, and for the improvement of victims' condition, and to be lead to the hope for the rebuilding/recovery/revival of the people.
More importantly, I am deeply touched by the courage of these people who have lived through the disaster, and while encouraging oneself despite being a victim, planning to live for their future.
I am grateful for the effort and would like to show the deep appreciation for the works/troubles of the people, who are continuing to be involved in the rescue missions day and night through the National gov. and the local self-governing body starting with the Self-Defence forces, the Police department, the Fire department, the Coast Guards, and the people who had arrived in Japan from various countries for the rescue missions, and the people who belong to the various rescue operations within this country, while being in the dangerous situation involving the after shocks of earthquake.
At this time, various condolences from the world leaders/heads of the countries were delivered, and the many of those were carrying the messages that the hearts of the people from various countries are with the disaster victims. I shall report these messages to the people at the disaster areas.
I have heard that there were many comments touching upon the subject of Japanese people showing the orderly correspondence and calmly helping each other, despite being in deep sadness.
I am hoping from the bottom of my heart that everyone would continue to join and have sympathy for each other and overcome these unfortunate time.
I feel that it is very important for all of us to share as much of the load (and the painful days) through various forms with the disaster victims. I am wishing from my heart for the victims to never to lose hopes and live through the days from tomorrow (afterwards) while caring for their bodies(health), and for each person (citizen) of this nation would continue to draw the hearts closer for a long time, and to continuously watch over the path of recovery of each (affected) area with the disaster victims."
Thank you.
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