Many people living in areas hit by a powerful typhoon earlier this month were unable to watch the live broadcast of Emperor Naruhito's enthronement ceremony on Tuesday as they continued cleaning and repairs after the disaster.

Some who did manage to watch the ceremony reacted positively, with one saying it had cheered her up and another expressing hope that the ceremony would provide a lift to the world.

Yoshiyuki Niitsuma, 65, who lives in Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture, said, "There was no time (to watch the broadcast) as many people are tired and busy cleaning up their houses." Few people were seen watching the television at an evacuation center in the city.