Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visit evacuation shelters

[eShirl]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110414/ap_on_bi_ge/as_japan_earthquake

TOKYO – Japan's emperor and empress have made their first trip to the disaster zone since the March 11 earthquake and tsunami destroyed much of the country's northeast coast.

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visited two evacuation shelters Thursday in Asahi city, about 86 kilometers (54 miles) east of Tokyo near the Pacific coast. The royal couple knelt on mats and spoke quietly with evacuees, who bowed deeply. Some wiped tears from their eyes.

Thirteen people died, and some 3,000 homes were damaged or destroyed in the city. The emperor and empress plan additional visits to other tsunami-affected areas in coming weeks.

[P. Galore]

1. They've been surprisingly AWOL, at least by British standards -

the day after racial riots in the East End of London, Prince Charles was there talking to residents.

The day after the July 7th subway attacks, Liz and Phil were visiting victims in the hospitals.

I know the Emperor made a televised speech - the first time most Japanese had heard his voice - so I realize royalty in Japan has a slightly different take on things.