Politicians, business leaders and musicians gathered with the public to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Emperor's reign in both civic- and government-sponsored festivities Friday in Tokyo.
About 1,300 people gathered at the National Theater of Japan in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward in the afternoon to congratulate the Emperor and Empress during government- organized ceremonies that included performances by world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma and soprano Ai Ichihara.
"It is my earnest hope that the people of Japan will cooperate in harmony with the people of the world and together do their utmost aiming at a better future," the Emperor said.