Emperor Naruhito Makes Reference to Pandemic in First Speech in Half-Year

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the memorial service. (© Jiji)

Omi Shigeru (right) meets with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the Akasaka Estate, Tokyo, on April 10, 2020. (Courtesy the Imperial Household Agency)

Queen Elizabeth II addresses British citizens on the COVID-19 pandemic. (© Kyōdō)