Tokyo (CNN) — Japan’s beloved emperor dramatically took to the national TV airwaves Wednesday and buoyed the spirits of his disaster-stricken citizens in an extraordinary address before a nation grappling with the aftermath of an epic earthquake and a devastating tsunami, and amid growing fears of a nuclear catastrophe.
An address by a sitting emperor is usually reserved for times of extreme crisis or war. Emperor Akihito’s direct appeal to the public is considered exceptional in Japan and marks the first time that he has spoken to the public amid such a crisis.
To watch video address:
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/16/japan.disaster/index.html
