Japanese emperor and empress visit towns hit by Jan. 1 quake and console thousands of homeless

By MARI YAMAGUCHI
Associated Press

TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako have visited towns in the north-central region of Noto to pray for victims of the deadly New Year’s Day earthquake and console thousands of homeless living in evacuation centers. The magnitude 7.6 quake killed 241 people. Four are still missing. More than 9,000 residents whose homes were destroyed or damaged are still living in evacuation facilities such as community centers and school gymnasiums. Reconstruction has come slowly in a largely rural area with an aging population. Hundreds of people lined the streets on Friday to cheer the imperial couple.