Emperor Akihito and other members of the Imperial family offered their annual New Year's greetings Wednesday to thousands of well-wishers at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
"At the beginning of the year, I wish every happiness for people in our country as well as in the world," the Emperor said in a speech delivered from the balcony of Chowaden Palace. Some 72,850 well-wishers visited the palace, up 1,980 from a year earlier, according to the Imperial Household Agency.
Other Imperial family members who joined the Emperor in waving at the crowd included Empress Michiko, Crown Prince Naruhito, Prince Akishino, Princess Kiko and Princess Nori.