Emperor calls on people to keep 'fire of hope' amid pandemic

"a fire of hope" burning in their hearts and support each other in the face of challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

"Please keep our fires burning by keeping that support coming to the government which supports us, even when you are personally faced with challenges in this pandemic. I will personally return the favor by looking upon your severe reality with all the pity and concern I can manufacture."

Fixed it for you.

Expecting to be inspired by a random dude whose only qualification is that he happened to be born within the borders of the imperial palace is the real problem here.

fire of hope

Maybe he is a fan of Naruto.

Does “fire of hope” mean a peoples revolution to take down the LDP and Nippon Kaigi and have a new open-minded innovative young government?

Generally speaking, when voicing an opinion about somebody, I think it is necessary to keep in mind that it may hurt people's feelings or positions at times," he said.

In other words, please leave my niece alone...

What pandemic ? Over a flu virus with more than a 99 percent recovery rate. Testing with the PCR test and getting positive results is meaningless as even the inventers of the PCR test say it is not meant to be used for viruses. When will we see the seasonal Flu statistics ?

Hmm believe the WHO who say there is a pandemic, or some random internet poster claiming it's a conspiracy. Can anyone help me, which of these has more credibility in a fact/data based world?

Can anyone help me, which of these has more credibility in a fact/data based world?

Yes, I can. As your question already correctly implies, one has more and the other less credibility, So both have at least quite some, right? It’s ambivalent, although quite biased.

Yes, I can.

So which one has more credibility, WHO or anonymous internet poster?

Happy Birthday to Emperor Naruhito.

Happy Birthday, Emperor Naruhito.

It’s quite easy to say that from a comfy palace and having servants. How about encouraging tax rebates and wage increases for those on low incomes?

Who? said what? Why?

How about encouraging tax rebates and wage increases for those on low incomes?

I doubt he would be allowed to make a statement like that, would be too close to a political stance.

This statement is probably about the most meaningful he is able to make.

The inability to really...do anything does prompt me to ask, why in the world are taxes still going towards paying for a figurehead of a monarch still? We missed a pretty good chance to just abolish the office when the last one retired. Not only is celebrating any monarch backwards, it doesn't exactly seem enviable for those trapped in the imperial family.

Hope doesn’t get the bills paid, son.

Paying your bills, isn't his job.

Go make an appointment to see Kishida instead.

What pandemic? …even the inventers of the PCR test say it is not meant to be used for viruses.

So which one has more credibility, WHO or anonymous internet poster?

Aye, an anonymous internet poster who can’t spell ‘inventor’? :o/

TT

Easy for him to spout such a yarn when he's living the cushy life. It's a whole different ballgame when you're having to subject yourself to an overly packed train every day to commute an hour or so to work a 12hr shift.

At least Naruhito’s image is a lot more wholesome than the UK Royals…

I applaud the emperor for attempting to inspire his people.

It is interesting that this JT article did not quote the only line which caught my eyes. The emperor said,

異なる考えを持つ人々にも配慮し、尊重し合える寛容な社会が築かれていくことを願っております

"I hope to see we build a tolerant society, where people with different ideas are respected."

Seems like a nice bloke.

His message seems quite fitting and appropriate. Consider this expression in English:

Hopes springs eternal.

Isn't it the specialty of the Emperor to focus on the eternal, even as the government must focus on the contemporary?

Spring is around the corner.

His message is timeless. We should resolutely get through current difficulties while keeping our spirits up by focusing on the eternal.

Oh yes. We shall obey and follow you. A couple with high authority. (sarcasm)

Nicely said livvy :)

Pandemic is over and mandates are starting to disappear in many countries. Meanwhile in Japan, the pandemic is just beginning it seems. I have a feeling the "fire of hope" will long be extinguished in Japan before people feel free to go maskless on a crowded commuter train.

Happy super birthday to you. We wish u and the empress the best health and happiness.

Thanks for the Encouragement there buddy...but if you're RICH, it's just another Inconvienence.

The word "HOPE" is nothing but a long awakening. Its like making a promise that can be fulfilled or broken, or making a wish that can be fulfilled or never coming true. Its nothing but a expectation of a unfavorable outcome. Wishful thinking something we go through our entire lives doing.

I can see the Emperor's kind words were wasted on many here.

Life is a precious gift. Hope adds life to our life span. Wishing Emperor Naruhito a very happy birthday and good times ahead.