The Emperor, who marked his 68th birthday Sunday, greeted the public at the Imperial Palace in the morning together with members of the Imperial Family.
The Emperor greeted well-wishers from the balcony of Chowa Palace, flanked by the Empress, Crown Prince, Prince Akishino and his wife, Princess Akishino, and the Imperial couple's daughter Princess Nori.
The Crown Princess was not present as a precaution after giving birth to Princess Toshi (better known as Princess Aiko) on Dec. 1.