Japan's Emperor Naruhito turns 64 on Friday. Ahead of his birthday, he spoke to reporters at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

He reflected on the past year, conveying condolences to the relatives of those who died in the major earthquake that shook the Noto Peninsula and other areas of central Japan on January 1.

He said his heart aches profoundly to think that the New Year's Day quake left so many people dead or missing and displaced so many others.

The Emperor said he wants to visit the quake-stricken areas along with Empress Masako if circumstances allow. He said he will set the timing for a trip after considering how the recovery work is proceeding, and how the survivors, local government officials and others feel.

He also looked back on his years as Emperor ahead of the five-year mark of his time on the throne in May.

The Emperor said he has tried to have many opportunities to communicate with members of the public so he can interact with them, and stand by them as the much as possible.

He said he sought to listen to many people during his trips to fully appreciate their situations, their feelings, and what the Imperial Family should do for them.

The Emperor said he will continue to take this approach to heart, and consult with the Empress when he attends events and visits disaster-hit areas.

The Emperor also talked about his daughter, Princess Aiko, who will start work at the Japanese Red Cross Society in April after graduating from university.

The Emperor said the Princess will have a growing number of imperial engagements, but he hopes she will continue to commit herself with compassion and gratitude.