Emperor Akihito reflected on his journeys across Japan over the past 15 years in a poem recited at the annual new year poetry reading Wednesday at the Imperial Palace.

The theme for this year's "waka" poems was "happiness," with the Emperor reflecting on the trips he has undertaken since his accession to the throne.

The Emperor's poem is translated as:

Forever praying

For the people's happiness,

I have traveled far

All up and down the country

While these fifteen years went by

Poems composed by other members of the Imperial family, together with 10 poems chosen from 26,075 entries submitted by the public, were also recited in the traditional style.

About 80 guests, including House of Representatives Speaker Yohei Kono, attended the ceremony.

Empress Michiko composed a poem telling of how, on the Imperial Couple's visits around the country, people declared their good wishes for the Emperor's health and happiness.

The Empress' poem is translated thus:

"All the best be Yours!

Good health, happiness and all!''

Voices wafting forth

From people out to greet Him

Going through their towns and cities

Crown Princess Masako, who is taking a rest from official duties after suffering a bout of shingles in December, was absent from the ceremony but submitted a poem about her 2-year-old daughter, Princess Aiko.

Waka poetry was developed by the court aristocracy in the sixth century and consists of 31 syllables in a pattern of 5-7-5-7-7.