Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko on Thursday visited Asahi, Chiba Prefecture, in their first trip to an area badly hit by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, to console local people.
The couple were briefed by Asahi Mayor Tadanao Akechi on the damage suffered by the city before visiting two shelters to offer moral support to people, many of whom lost their houses.
Asahi, located in the northeastern coastal area, suffered 13 fatalities and two people are still listed as missing. Some 900 houses were crushed or almost demolished.
Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko on Thursday visited Asahi, Chiba Prefecture, in their first trip to an area badly hit by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, to console local people.
