The Emperor said he was greatly supported by the Empress during the "busy and heavy-hearted days" after his mother died in June.
Meeting with the press ahead of his 67th birthday today, the Emperor reflected upon the events of the past year and the past century.
As to memories of the late Empress Kojun, who died on June 16, the Emperor said the one most deeply implanted in his mind was "the memory of her cheerful presence in the days when we were able to spend more time together as a family after the end of the war."