Japan's emperor has said he is "deeply concerned" about the worsening situation at a stricken nuclear power plant, and called on its people to work together to overcome the country's worst crisis since the second world war.
In a rare public address, Akihito said events unfolding at the Fukushima Daiichi plant were "unpredictable", hours after a surge in radiation levels prompted the withdrawal of 70 workers who have been battling to make the facility safe.
"I am deeply hurt by the grievous situation in the affected areas," Akihito said in his first public appearance since Japan's north-east coast was devastated by a powerful earthquake and tsunami in which more than 10,000 people may have died.
Dressed in a dark suit, the sombre-looking 77-year-old said the disaster was on an "unprecedented scale".
"I hope from the bottom of my heart that the people will, hand in hand, treat each other with compassion and overcome these difficult times."
The country remains in a state of high anxiety over the nuclear emergency, but Akihito's appearance may go some way towards lifting people's spirits.
He is widely respected as a thoughtful, intelligent man and his opinions continue to hold sway more than 65 years after his father, Hirohito, was forced to renounce his divine status after Japan's defeat in the second world war.
As a symbolic figure, Akihito must be careful to refrain from involvement in political issues. His address carefully avoided any comment that could be construed as criticism of Japan's nuclear power industry or the official response to the crisis.
It is unlikely that Akihito and Empress Michiko will travel to the disaster zone for as long as the threat persists of a serious nuclear accident.
The imperial household agency said in a statement that the couple wanted to visit the area hit by the tsunami but felt that the focus should remain on the rescue operation for the time being.
The imperial couple made similar visits in the wake of other disasters, including to the western city of Kobe, where 6,400 people died in an earthquake in January 1995.
Akihito thanked emergency workers and the more than 100 countries that have offered aid and assistance with the rescue and recovery effort. "We don't know the number of victims, but I pray that every single person can be saved," he said.
Akihito voiced hope that the engineers and technicians trying to avert disaster in Fukushima would be successful.
"I am deeply concerned about the nuclear situation because it is unpredictable," he said in remarks broadcast on television. "With the help of those involved I hope things will not get worse."
Emperor Akihito said he was "deeply worried"
, the emperor of Japan, has made a live appearance on national television saying he was "deeply worried" after the earthquake and tsunami that hit last Friday. The emperor made his announcement shortly after technicians working to stabilise a nuclear plant temporarily abandoned it as radiation started to surge.

The emperor's appearance caused television stations to interrupt scheduled  programming. During his appearance he said  "I hope from the bottom of my heart that the people will, hand in hand, treat each other with compassion and overcome these difficult times." The 77 year-old is deeply respected in Japan.

A statement by the Imperial household said Emperor Akihito and  want to visit the area affected by the tsunami, but the important thing now is rescuing the victims. In 1995 the emperor and empress visited  after an  struck and killed 6,400 people.

Around 10,000 people are feared to be dead after the earthquake and tsunami hit the north-east coast of the country. More than 100 countries have offered rescue services in an attempt to save as many people as possible.