Japan’s Emperor Naruhito said he was praying for the happiness of people in Japan and the world in his New Year’s greetings at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
Over 11,000 well-wishers entered the palace grounds after the main gate opened at 9:30 a.m. on Friday.
The Emperor, along with Empress Masako and other members of the Imperial family, appeared on the palace balcony three times in the morning. They all waved to well-wishers who had gathered below.
Prince Hisahito, the son of Crown Prince and Princess Akishino, attended the New Year’s greetings for the first time. The prince completed a series of coming-of-age events last September.
The Emperor expressed concerns about the difficulties many people are facing following last year’s disasters, including earthquakes, heavy rains, forest fires and heavy snow. He said he wishes 2026 will be a peaceful year, and prayed for happiness at home and abroad.
The Emperor and Empress made five appearances on the balcony on Friday, greeting a total of more than 60,000 people.
AloJapan.com