Ahead of his 62nd birthday on Wednesday, the Emperor recently expressed his thoughts to the media at the Imperial Palace, speaking on matters including the lack of marriage ceremonies for Mako Komuro, the eldest daughter of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko.
"I feel sorry for causing so much concern to so many people," the Emperor said.
Engagement and other ceremonies related to Komuro's marriage were not held at the discretion of the Akishino family, while other events traditionally carried out at the Imperial Palace did not take place at the discretion of the Emperor. The Emperor said these decisions were based on the fact that there were various opinions about the marriage.