Emperor of Japan Gives Rare Address to Express Concern for Nation

In a sign of the increasingly critical nature of Japan's nuclear plant tragedy, the nation's emperor appeared on TV to plead with his countrymen: Don't give up.

"I am deeply concerned about the nuclear situation because it is unpredictable," said Emperor Akihito in a rare address to the nation. "With the help of those involved I hope things will not get worse." Akihito also expressed condolences to the victims of last week's earthquake and tsunami.

Japan's Emperor Akihito spoke to the nation Wednesday 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.