Emperor Naruhito of Japan, accompanied by Empress Masako and members of the Imperial Family, made a public appearance on New Year's Day at the Imperial Palace in central Tokyo.
Large crowds waved Japanese flags and cheered their well wishes, while Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and the Imperial Family appeared on the palace balcony to greet the public and offer New Year's blessings.
This year marked the first official participation of Crown Prince Hisahito, the Emperor's grandson, who has now reached an age eligible to take part in imperial ceremonies and is second in line to the throne after his father.
The New Year's public greeting is an annual tradition, drawing many people who braved the cold weather to offer their blessings.
Although the Japanese Emperor holds no political power, he serves a symbolic role and emphasized a message of peace. In a prior address, he referenced the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the importance of peace amid ongoing global conflicts.
He also expressed concern about recent natural disasters in Japan, including earthquakes, heavy rains, snow, and wildfires.
The 2024 New Year's public blessing ceremony had been canceled due to a major earthquake in the Noto Peninsula, while the 2021 and 2022 events were canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
,AP
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