Japan's Emperor Naruhito, alongside his wife Empress Masako and the wider imperial family, has welcomed the New Year by greeting a vast crowd of well-wishers from the balcony of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
A Traditional Greeting Returns
The annual public appearance, which took place on Friday the 2nd of January 2026, saw the royal family waving to thousands of flag-waving supporters who braved the cold to line the palace grounds. The event marks a significant return to tradition after several recent cancellations.
Standing together, the family received enthusiastic shouts of "banzai" – a Japanese cheer meaning "long live" – from the public below. The palace's usually secluded central Tokyo grounds are opened for this occasion, drawing enormous crowds for each of the five scheduled appearances throughout the day.
A Message of Peace and Reflection
In a pre-released statement, Emperor Naruhito struck a solemn note, reflecting that last year marked 80 years since the end of World War II. With conflict continuing in parts of the world, he emphasised the enduring importance of peace.
"I deeply feel it's important to continue with efforts among people for dialogue, trying to deepen mutual understanding, so we can build a world of peace," he stated. His comments on Friday also touched upon recent natural disasters affecting Japan, including earthquakes, heavy rain, snow, and forest fires.
The event's return held added significance following its cancellation in 2024 due to the devastating Noto Peninsula earthquake, and in 2021 and 2022 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Royal Presence Highlights Succession Debate
This year's greeting brought together multiple generations of the imperial household, putting the spotlight on the future of the monarchy.
Princess Aiko, the only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, appeared with her parents. Her presence underscores the ongoing national debate about the imperial succession laws, which currently allow only men to inherit the Chrysanthemum Throne.
Attention also fell on Prince Hisahito, the Emperor's nephew. Now participating in adult imperial duties, he is second in line to the throne after his father and is seen as a key figure for the monarchy's future. The former Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, who abdicated in 2019, were also present for the occasion.
While the Emperor of Japan holds no political power, the role carries deep symbolic weight. The imperial family are longstanding advocates for peace and stability, a poignant legacy given that World War II was fought in the name of Emperor Naruhito's grandfather, Hirohito.
