Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited on May 26 a site in western Japan that was struck by heavy rain in 2018.

Kurashiki Mayor Ito Kaori explained the situation to the imperial couple at a park that was built on flooded area that has been elevated.

Seventy-four people in this district in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, died in the disaster.

The emperor and empress bowed and observed a moment of silence.

They then met with survivors and asked about the hardships they have gone through.

Officials said the pair praised them for their efforts toward reconstruction.