Japanese royal couple visit quake victims
Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visited Japan’s north-eastern coast today, offering encouragement to residents who lost homes and loved ones in last month’s earthquake and tsunami.
The royal couple visited a school gymnasium where 200 people live in the town of Minami-Sanriku, 250 miles northeast of Tokyo.
As the emperor and empress drove into the school, crowds waved excitedly and snapped pictures at the passing vehicle, some running to keep up.
Noriko Oikawa was moved to tears as she cradled her one-year-old daughter, saying: “He’s so busy yet took the time to visit us.”
