The Emperor and Empress of Japan visited Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, on Tuesday to express their heartfelt sympathy for the victims of the flood. Their visit, the third to the Noto Peninsula this year, followed earlier trips to offer support after a powerful earthquake and heavy rains. Arriving at Noto Airport before 11:30 a.m., they went directly to the flood-affected Futegawa-machi district.
The flood, caused by the Tsukada River’s overflow on September 21, took four lives, including that of 14-year-old Hanon Kiso. The Imperial couple, after hearing a briefing from Wajima Mayor Shigeru Sakaguchi, bowed in solemn respect for the victims, reflecting their deep empathy and reverence.
At Wajima Junior High School, now an evacuation center, the Emperor and Empress spoke personally with evacuees, offering words of comfort. Their kindness touched many, including Kumiko Yoshioka, whose home was destroyed by the earthquake and later damaged in the flood. Yoshioka expressed deep gratitude for the couple’s warm and sincere support.
Their visit went beyond ceremonial duties, showing a genuine commitment to the well-being of their people. The Emperor and Empress’s presence offered both emotional comfort and encouragement to those who had suffered immense loss in the disaster.
Before returning to Tokyo, the couple thanked local officials for their disaster response efforts and met with mayors from Noto and Suzu. Their visit, in the wake of the devastating rain disaster, brought a sense of hope and solidarity to the region, providing comfort to those in mourning.
