Japan's imperial couple visits Kumamoto

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visited Kumamoto Prefecture on May 19 to encourage evacuees from the recent earthquakes.

The imperial couple were to call on evacuation centers in hard-hit Minami-Aso and Mashiki.

It was the first visit by the couple to the prefecture since the April 14 start of the spate of quakes.

The couple left Tokyo’s Haneda Airport on a special aircraft bound for Kumamoto Airport. Upon arrival at the airport in Mashiki, the emperor and empress were greeted by Kumamoto Governor Ikuo Kabashima, who briefed them on the extensive damages in the prefecture.

Akihito and Michiko, concerned about the survivors and evacuees, had made plans to visit Kumamoto as early as possible.

They were to return to Tokyo the same day.

(THE ASAHI SHIMBUN)