Japan's emperor expresses concern about 3/11 survivors ahead of March 11 anniversary

Emperor Naruhito said scars remain for survivors of the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident and urged that lessons be passed to younger generations as the March 11 anniversary approaches.

Emperor Naruhito expressed concern about lasting scars for people affected by the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident in comments released for his 66th birthday. He spoke weeks before the March 11 anniversary and highlighted that while infrastructure recovery has progressed, the reconstruction of livelihoods and community still needs attention. He also stressed the importance of passing lessons from past disasters to younger generations and pledged to remain close to those in affected areas. Known details: - The emperor said survivors' scars from the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident have not healed despite the passage of time. - The 2011 disaster killed nearly 20,000 people, forced hundreds of thousands from their homes, and led to reactor meltdowns at Fukushima Daiichi. - Most communities evacuated over radiation concerns have reopened, but relatively few people have returned because of a lack of jobs and weakened community connections. - The emperor pledged to listen to voices in disaster-affected areas and to pass on lessons to younger generations; the March 11 anniversary is imminent. Summary: The emperor's remarks underscore continuing social and economic recovery needs in areas affected by the 2011 disasters and the emphasis on memory and education for younger people. The March 11 anniversary is approaching; further official plans or actions were not detailed. Undetermined at this time.