Emperor urges people not to give up

 Tokyo, Japan (AP):

Japan's Emperor Akihito spoke to the nation yesterday in the first made-for-TV address of his reign, expressing condolences to victims of the massive earthquake and tsunami and urging the Japanese people not to give up.

Bowing and then speaking solemnly in a grey suit, he also voiced concern about the crisis at a nuclear power plant damaged by the disasters, that has led to radiation leakage.

"I am deeply concerned about the nuclear situation because it is unpredictable," he said. "With the help of those involved I hope things will not get worse."

The historic broadcast underscores the gravity of the situation facing Japan. While Akihito makes annual televised speeches to crowds marking the New Year and end of World War II, he has never directly addressed the country on camera, according to the Imperial Household Agency.

Friday's quake-spawned tsunami devastated Japan's northeastern coast, and officials believe more than 10,000 people have died.

Akihito, 77, thanked those involved in disaster relief operations, including foreign governments, and urged an all-out rescue effort.