Japan's Emperor Welcomes Thousands at New Year's Greeting in Tokyo

The New Year's Public Greeting took place at the Imperial Palace on January 2. Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, along with Prince Fumihito, Princess Kiko, and other members of the Imperial Family, greeted well-wishers from the balcony of the Chowaden Reception Hall, the main building of the Tokyo Imperial Palace.

The first public greeting began at 10:10 AM. Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emeritus Michiko, the parents of Emperor Naruhito, were also present. Also attending were Princess Aiko, Emperor Naruhito's only child, Princess Kako, the second daughter of Prince Fumihito and Princess Kiko, and Princess Hanako.

*Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko wave to the crowd on January 2 at the Imperial Palace. (©Sankei by Yoshinori Saito)*

Thousands of Well-Wishers

The New Year Public Greeting had been canceled in 2024 due to the Noto Peninsula earthquake. This year, it was held for the first time in two years.

It was also the first time in five years that the event was held without restrictions on the number of attendees, following the COVID-19 pandemic. By 9:30 AM, more than 14,000 people had already lined up at the entrance to the Imperial Palace's main gate.

Emperor Naruhito addressed recent major disasters, such as the Noto Peninsula earthquake that struck on New Year's Day 2024. Expressing concern for the many people living in the affected regions, he said, "I hope this year will be a peaceful and good year for everyone."

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, their daughter Princess Aiko, Prince Fumihito and Princess Kiko, and their daughter Princess Kako, wave to the crowd during the New Year Public Greeting on the morning of January 2 at the Imperial Palace. (©Sankei by Yoshinori Saito)

Social Media Impact

Well-wishers responded with cheers and waved small Japanese flags. Haruna Kuriki, an office worker from Ōta Ward, Tokyo, visited with her mother and friends. "I felt that the Emperor is watching over the recovery of the disaster area," she said.

A high school senior from Suginami Ward, Tokyo, attended with his parents after seeing the Imperial Household Agency's Instagram account. He commented, "Through Instagram, the Imperial Family feels more accessible. It reaffirmed for me that His Majesty, as a symbol of Japan, is attentive to global matters."

His father added, "I hope His Majesty the Emperor Emeritus also lives a long life."