Stephanie Karlik

On three occasions, I went to see the Japanese emperor on his birthday.

From his glass-encased patio at his palace, he greeted visitors like me who’d trekked up the paved, sakura tree-lined hill to his imperial abode. Some had come from Tokyo station to give him birthday wishes, some from Shinagawa, some from France or America, Nepal or Italy.

The emperor was petite, his hair silver and combed slickly. As he approached the microphone, the crowd of visitors I stood amongst went silent and looked up to him as he began to speak. His voice was gentle. Regal.

“誕生日にあたり、皆さんが祝意を表してくれたことに対し、深く感謝します。

I am deeply appreciative of all of your birthday wishes.

本年は、わたくしの即位から２０年、わたくしどもの結婚から５０年という年になりました。

This year marks the twentieth anniversary of my enthronement and our fiftieth wedding anniversary.

多くの人々から寄せられた祝意に対し心から謝意を表します。

I’d like to express my gratitude to the many people who have congratulated us on these milestones.

今年もあとわずかになりました。

Looking back on the past year,

厳しい経済情勢の中にあって様々な困難に直面し、苦労している人々も多いのではないかと案じています。

it grieves me that there are many people facing difficulties due to the severe economic conditions in our country, triggered by the global financial crisis.

来る年が少しでもよい年となるよう、そして皆さんがくれぐれも体を大切にされ、健やかに新年を迎えられるように願っています。

It is my hope that this coming year will be a better year. And as we enter into it, I wish you all the best of health.”

“BANZAI!” “Ten-thousand years!”the largely Japanese crowd yelled in unison, vigorously waving their hand-held flags in the air.

I drowned in a sea of rising suns, intoxicated by the fervor, waving to the emperor myself.

“BANZAI!” I declared.

There he was.

Like the President of the United States in power.

Like the King of England in gentility.

Like the Great and Powerful Oz in enigma.

But more.

The emperor of Japan.