Empress Masako turned 62 years old on December 9 and shared her thoughts in writing.

She reflected on this year, which marks 80 years since the end of World War II.

Touching on the family visits to memorial sites, Masako said this has become a year in which she deeply engraved in her heart the importance of continuing to preserve peace.

She wrote that she feels it is important to learn from history, not forget the preciousness of peace and work toward protecting peace.

The empress also expressed hope for a tolerant and inclusive society in which people strive to know and understand one another, acknowledge differences, respect each other with compassion, and value dialogue.

Regarding her official visit to Mongolia with Emperor Naruhito in July, she said she was pleased to see through personal exchanges that the bilateral bonds of friendship and goodwill have deepened and that the people of Mongolia hold warm feelings toward Japan.

She also mentioned offering flowers at a memorial for Japanese who died in internment after the war and reflecting on their hardships and sorrow, noting that it was deeply memorable.

Concerning her daughter, Masako said Princess Aiko approaches each of her growing tasks with heartfelt dedication.

Aiko has been taking on more official duties, including visiting areas affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake in Ishikawa Prefecture.

The empress also expressed gratitude for the warm welcome her daughter received during her first official overseas trip to Laos.

Masako said she hopes the bonds of friendship between Japan and Laos will deepen.