An aide to the Imperial couple says Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako are deeply saddened by the loss of life and the widespread destruction caused by the July 28 Kumamoto earthquake.

According to the aide, the Imperial couple have been following reports from the media and the government on the unfolding disaster.

They are praying for the swift rescue of those whose safety remains unknown and are keeping in their thoughts the families seriously awaiting news of their loved ones.

The Emperor and Empress are also expressing concern for people living in evacuation shelters as they cope with water and power outages, extreme summer heat, and continuing aftershocks.

They are offering their heartfelt sympathies to those affected and their appreciation to emergency responders and everyone working tirelessly on rescue operations and emergency recovery efforts.

The Imperial couple are particularly saddened that Kumamoto Prefecture, which has spent the past decade recovering from the devastating 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, has once again suffered extensive damage.

They sincerely hope the aftershocks will subside soon and that those affected will be able to return to their daily lives in safety as quickly as possible.

Princess Aiko is said to share the same feelings, mourning those who lost their lives while extending her sympathies to everyone affected by the disaster.

The Imperial Family has also canceled its planned stay beginning August 3 at the Suzaki Imperial Villa in Shimoda, Shizuoka Prefecture, following the earthquake.