Emperor Akihito answers questions during a press conference at the Imperial Palace last Thursday.TOKYO (Mainichi Daily News), December 25, 2007:
Emperor Akihito criticized the spate of scandals in the food and housing industries over the past few years, and expressed hope for a resolution to the ongoing pension issue. He was addressing a press conference prior to his 74th birthday on Sunday, December 23.
"It is regrettable that a number of incidents have come to light in the past few years, undermining the people's sense of security regarding food and housing, which are the basic essentials of daily life," the Emperor said. He also referred to social disparity, stressing the importance of fostering a social environment so that those in weaker positions will not be left out of the society.
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