Kumamoto Prefecture said on August 4 that Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko had conveyed their sympathy to Governor Kimura Takashi through an aide following the devastating Kumamoto earthquake that struck on July 28.

According to the prefectural government, the Imperial Family’s message was delivered to the governor on August 3.

An aide to the Emperor and Empress had previously said on July 30 that the Imperial couple were deeply saddened by the loss of life and the extensive damage caused by the earthquake, including the collapse of buildings.

The Emperor and Empress are praying for those whose whereabouts remain unknown to be rescued as soon as possible and are keeping in their thoughts the families anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones.

They are also thinking of evacuees coping with water and power outages, extreme heat and continuing aftershocks, while expressing sympathy for those affected and appreciation for emergency responders and others engaged in rescue and recovery efforts.

Princess Aiko shares the same feelings as her parents, mourning those who lost their lives and expressing concern and sympathy for people affected by the disaster.

The Imperial Family has also canceled a planned stay at the Suzaki Imperial Villa in Shimoda, Shizuoka Prefecture, which had been scheduled to begin on August 3, in light of the earthquake.