Emperor Akihito marked his 72nd birthday Friday with an address to the public, expressing concern about people who have been hit hard by the recent heavy snowfall.
"We are having a very tough winter this year with heavy snowfall in various parts of the county. I'm worried about people's lives," the Emperor told well-wishers at the Imperial Palace. He wished the onlookers good health and a happy new year.
Heavy snow has hit areas along the Sea of Japan coast, knocking out power to 697,200 households in the Kinki region and 650,000 in Niigata Prefecture, and paralyzing public transportation.
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