Japan's Empress Masako turned 61 years old on December 9.

In written remarks prepared for the occasion, she looked back on the Noto Peninsula earthquake that struck Ishikawa Prefecture and surrounding areas in central Japan on New Year's Day.

Masako said the event marked a deeply heartbreaking start to the year and recalled that her heart ached thinking that many people faced immense challenges in the situation.

Concerning the frequent occurrence of natural disasters, she said she feels that global environmental issues such as climate change are becoming increasingly pressing each year and that they must be addressed seriously, with everyone cooperating with each other.

As for the Japanese athletes who competed in the Paris Olympics and Paralympics this year and Los Angeles Dodgers star Ohtani Shohei, she said the sight of these young people breaking new ground through their daily efforts has brought bright hope and courage to many people in Japan.

Masako mentioned the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organization, also known as Nihon Hidankyo, as one of the past year's memorable events.

She noted the importance of building a peaceful world while reflecting on the pain and suffering of those affected by the bombings as well as the efforts of those who have continued activities, especially as next year marks 80 years since the end of World War II.

Concerning her daughter Princess Aiko, the empress said she is pleased to see her finding a sense of fulfillment and being enthusiastic about her job.

The princess, who turned 23 on December 1, has been working at the Japanese Red Cross Society since April while taking part in official duties as a member of the imperial family.

Aiko is the only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.