TOKYO, Jan 2: Emperor Naruhito of Japan and his family warmly welcomed New Year’s well-wishers from a balcony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Thursday.
Crowds shouted “banzai” — meaning “long live” — while some waved small paper Japanese flags.
Emperor Naruhito expressed his concern for those still suffering greatly from the devastating earthquake in western Japan a year ago, along with the flooding and other natural disasters that have affected the country.
His appearance in 2022 was abruptly canceled due to a severe earthquake on the Noto Peninsula that resulted in numerous fatalities.
In a New Year video message released earlier in the week, Naruhito featured an intricately made mask from the Noto region, traditionally worn by drummers participating in a performance style known as gojinjo daiko.
The emperor’s New Year greetings in 2021 and 2022 were also canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant that their usually closed palace grounds were empty.
Naruhito, joined by his wife Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko, offered prayers for the happiness of the people during this year’s event.
Princess Aiko, who turned 23 last month, has become a focal point in a national discussion regarding the male-only succession laws of the imperial family—the current law stipulates that she would leave the imperial family if she marries outside of it.
Also present on the balcony were Emperor Emeritus Akihito, who abdicated in 2019, his wife Empress Emerita Michiko, along with Naruhito’s younger brother and his family.
Satoshi Nishoji, who traveled from Osaka and waited in line for five hours, expressed joy at seeing the imperial family: “I was so happy to see them all because I haven’t been able to attend in the last five years.”
“I hope to return next year,” he added with enthusiasm.
As the emperor and his family waved to the crowd, it responded with a heartfelt rendition of the national anthem.
While the emperor holds no political authority, he carries significant symbolic weight for Japan. Historically, World War II was fought under the banner of his grandfather, Hirohito. Since Japan’s defeat in 1945, the Imperial Family has promoted peace.
This year, Naruhito reflected on the upcoming 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, expressing deep sorrow for the ongoing suffering in regions affected by war.
“I genuinely believe that we must embrace our differences to work together toward achieving world peace,” he stated. (AP)
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