Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko on Friday received New Year's greetings from other Imperial family members and government leaders at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
Among the well-wishers were Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako, Prince Akishino and his wife Princess Kiko, Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, heads of the Diet's two chambers and the chief justice of the Supreme Court.
"It is certainly a pleasure to celebrate the New Year together," Emperor Akihito told his guests. "At the beginning of the year, I pray for the development of the nation and happiness of the people."
In the afternoon, ambassadors and proxies from about 120 countries — some of them dressed in national costumes — visited the emperor, empress and other imperial family members at the palace to exchange greetings.
