Empress Masako Marks 62nd Birthday with Renewed Commitment to Peace and Historical Reflection

Empress Masako Celebrates 62nd Birthday with Focus on Peace

Empress Masako of Japan celebrated her 62nd birthday on December 9, 2025, using the occasion to reiterate her profound commitment to peace. Her reflections come after a year marked by significant engagements, including visits to various World War II memorial sites and an official trip abroad. In a statement released through the Imperial Household Agency, the Empress emphasized the enduring importance of learning from history to foster a peaceful future.

A Year of Remembrance: Visits to World War II Memorials

The year 2025 holds particular significance as it marks the 80th year since the end of World War II. Throughout the year, Empress Masako, often accompanied by Emperor Naruhito and their daughter, Princess Aiko, undertook a series of poignant visits to locations deeply scarred by the conflict. These included:

• Iwoto Island (Iwo Jima), a site of fierce battles.
• Okinawa Prefecture, which experienced intense fighting.
• Hiroshima Prefecture, devastated by the atomic bomb.
• Nagasaki Prefecture, also a target of an atomic bomb.
• The Tokyo Metropolitan Memorial Hall, to pray for the war dead.

During these visits, the Imperial couple and Princess Aiko met with survivors, bereaved families, and youth involved in 'storytelling' activities, aiming to pass on the memories of the war to younger generations. The Empress noted, 'As the number of people with firsthand experience of the war continues to decline, we were deeply grateful for the opportunity to hear directly from them.'

Reflections on History and Global Peace

In her birthday statement, Empress Masako expressed heartfelt condolences for the many precious lives lost in conflicts worldwide, including within Japan. She underscored the necessity of humility in learning from wartime experiences and stressed the importance of preserving peace. 'I feel it is essential that we learn humbly from past history, remember the preciousness of peace, reflect on what is necessary to preserve it, and strive toward that goal,' she stated. The Empress also voiced deep sadness over ongoing wars and conflicts globally, advocating for continuous efforts to build peace without force or violence.

International Engagements and Personal Well-being

Beyond domestic engagements, Empress Masako and Emperor Naruhito made a state visit to Mongolia in July. During this trip, they attended the Naadam Festival and offered flowers at a memorial dedicated to Japanese nationals who died in Soviet custody, reflecting on their hardships. The Empress also acknowledged her daughter, Princess Aiko's, increasing official duties, including her first solo trip abroad to Laos. Regarding her health, the Imperial Household Agency's medical team reported that her recovery from adjustment disorder is ongoing, with her condition continuing to fluctuate. She is advised to avoid undue stress.