Members of the imperial family greet well-wishers from the public on Jan. 2, the first such event to be held in three years due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. (Takuya Isayama)

Photo/Illutration Emperor Naruhito delivers a New Year’s message to the public from a balcony of the Imperial Palace on Jan. 2, as Empress Masako and the couple’s daughter Princess Aiko look on. (Hiroyuki Yamamoto)

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako were joined by other family members as they acknowledged throngs of New Year’s well-wishers from a balcony at the Imperial Palace on Jan. 2.

It was the first such celebration to be held in three years due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The couple’s 21-year-old daughter, Princess Aiko, made her first appearance in the annual event, which was canceled in 2021 and 2022.

In an address from the glass-enclosed balcony, the emperor noted that the health crisis had brought hardships to many members of the public.

“I am afraid that you may still be in various difficulties, but I am hoping that the new year will turn out to be a peaceful and good one for you,” he said. “I wish happiness to all the people in this country and the world.”

Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko also attended the event, along with Crown Prince Fumihito, Crown Princess Kiko and their daughter Princess Kako.

As a precaution against the virus, the flag-waving crowd was limited to about 1,500 people during each of the six appearances the imperial family members gave that day.

Those who wished to attend had to apply in advance to win a lottery.

On New Year’s Day, the emperor and empress held an audience with other members of the imperial household, the heads of the three branches of the government and other leaders.

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