The following are excerpts from responses at Wednesday's press conference by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan on the occasion of Their Majesties' 50th wedding anniversary

Question: Your Majesties, would you mind looking back over the fifty years?

The Emperor: Looking back, the time when we were married was the time when Japan was rising as a nation that values freedom and peace under the Constitution of Japan after the devastation of a war which claimed the lives of 3.1 million of our people.

Although further development of our industry brought about greater abundance in the time that followed, environmental pollution worsened and had a serious impact on the health of our people.

The return to Japan of Ogasawaramura in 1968 and then the return of Okinawa Prefecture in 1972 were two most important events for Japan in the years after our marriage. Both of these regions saw the loss of many lives on both the Japanese and U.S. sides during the severe battles that took place.

Turning our eyes to the world beyond Japan, it was after entering the Heisei era that the Soviet Union collapsed, and there were hopes that a more transparent and peaceful world would emerge, but conflicts continue to erupt in areas across the globe and even now many lives are being lost.

Today, in Japan, thanks to the efforts of the people, the environment in our cities and elsewhere has improved greatly and our natural environment has improved so much so that the oriental stork and Japanese crested ibis can be released to the wild. However, across the country, our society is aging and we are facing a severe situation. It has become more and more important for people to cooperate with each other and support our society.

The Empress and I have spent these years together with this changing face of Japan. I cannot help but feel once again that many things have happened in these 50 years.

The Empress: Fifty years ago when I left an ordinary family to join the new environment of the Imperial Family, my heart was filled with uncertainty and anxiety.

For me to be here today by His Majesty's side, welcoming our golden wedding anniversary, truly seems to be as if in a dream.

The path of 50 years has been long and at times challenging, but as His Majesty has always sought the right path with sincerity and shown me the way, I have been able to walk together with His Majesty up to this very day. My heart is filled with joy that I have been able to live in the same age together with His Majesty and I would also like to express my gratitude to the many people who have helped me grow, watched over me, and given me encouragement as I have come this far.

Q: We would appreciate it if you could tell us what has been most memorable in the 50 years.

The Emperor: I recall that we spoke over the telephone many times before the Empress finally accepted. I would not say that it was anything as simple as a one-line proposal. During our many telephone conversations, I told her that in order for me to carry out my duties as crown prince, I really needed someone who could understand the meaning and the significance of those duties and would support me. I was truly happy when she accepted my proposal.

If there is something that I would like to present to the Empress on the occasion of our 50th wedding anniversary, it would, this time, be a Citation of Appreciation and Gratitude. Although the Empress has insisted that a Prize for Best Effort, which I awarded her last time [at 25th anniversary], is what she would like to have again, I think this Citation of Appreciation and Gratitude is in praise of the efforts she has continued to make right up to this very day. She has truly made great efforts over these 50 years. I know that during these years there have been many sad times and many difficult times, but the Empress has borne these well with fortitude.

I think that first and foremost it is that we have both been able to reach this 50th wedding anniversary in good health. I think that it has been a joy for us to be able to talk together about everything, including how we perform our respective roles. The Empress is a serious person, but she can also be funny and she is a lot of fun. I think that there has always been laughter in our home.

The Empress: More than anything, our engagement was such "a long, long time ago," more than 50 years ago, that I cannot remember the exact words of His Majesty's proposal. As for the same question we were asked just before our silver wedding anniversary, I would like to respond this time again with the same answer and offer him a Citation of Appreciation and Gratitude. I feel that it is somehow not enough. Still, a Citation of Appreciation and Gratitude with all my heart.

During these 50 years, His Majesty has always been aware of his position both as crown prince and Emperor while, at the same time, giving us, His family, much love and affection. Above all, that His Majesty is sincere, modest, and always broad-minded has been my mainstay, giving me support during the 50 years I have spent with him.