New Delhi, Feb. 23 -- Japanese Emperor Naruhito expressed concern about the scars that remain for survivors of the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster in comments released for his 66th birthday Monday just weeks before the March 11 anniversary.

"While recovery of infrastructure has made progress, I feel that reconstruction of livelihoods and community still needs to be addressed," Naruhito said in the remarks made last week. "As I think of those who lost their loved ones and had to cope with complete change of their living environment, I feel their scars have not healed yet . they stay despite the passage of time."

Naruhito, Empress Masako, their daughter, Princess Aiko, and his younger brother Crown Prince Akishino's family w...