On March 17, the former Emperor and Empress of Japan visited Ishinomaki, a city affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, to pay their respects on the 5th anniversary of the disaster. This visit was marked by a notable moment where they crossed a road separating them from disaster survivors who lived in temporary housing, demonstrating deep empathy and connection. The former Emperor and Empress participated in a memorial service at a monument dedicated to fishing industry victims, as many lost their lives in the tragedy, including approximately 390 members from the local fishing cooperative.

Aware of the emotional significance of the moment, the couple deviated from their planned itinerary to approach about 450 local residents gathered across the street. Their unexpected decision to engage directly with the community created a heartfelt atmosphere, eliciting joy and gratitude from the survivors. The former Emperor expressed gratitude for the community's welcome and gently encouraged the residents to take care of their health, reinforcing a sense of unity and compassion amidst the lingering impact of the disaster on the community.

The couple's action has sparked discussions about the evolving nature of imperial engagement in Japan. While their behavior may be described as a reflection of the 'Heisei style,' which emphasizes direct interaction and empathy with the public, concerns are raised about whether such actions will continue under the current Emperor and Empress in the 'Reiwa era,' which may adopt a more formal approach to disaster response, focusing on minimizing local burden caused by immediate royal visits during crises.