The Emperor marked his 67th birthday Saturday by greeting public well-wishers at the Imperial Palace together with members of the Imperial family.
The Emperor and Empress were joined in the event by the Crown Prince and Princess, Prince Akishino and his wife Princess Kiko, and the Imperial Couple's daughter Princess Nori.
"The 20th century is coming to a close," the Emperor said in greeting the public from the balcony of Chowa Palace in the morning. "While pondering the path taken by humanity in this century and what we have achieved, I hope toward the future that all of you will remain healthy and take steps forward."