By AKIKO TADA/ Staff Writer
February 23, 2024 at 15:23 JST
Well-wishers visited the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to celebrate Emperor Naruhito’s 64th birthday on Feb. 23, a national holiday.
It was the first time this year for the general public to make a congratulatory visit to the palace.
The New Year’s visit scheduled for Jan. 2 was canceled in light of the damage caused by the Noto Peninsula earthquake on Jan. 1.
Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter, Princess Aiko, as well as Crown Prince Fumihito, Crown Princess Kiko and their second daughter, Princess Kako, greeted the visitors from the veranda of the Chowaden reception hall of the palace.
A long line of visitors had formed in the drizzling weather before the gates opened.
“I am truly grateful to have you come like this on my birthday and to be congratulated by all of you in the bitter cold with cold rain,” the emperor told the crowd.
He also said, “I would like to once again express my condolences for those who lost their lives in the Noto Peninsula earthquake that occurred last month and convey my heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved families and those who were affected by the disaster.”
Naruhito also touched upon hardships in other areas of the country.
“I know that many of you have also suffered from the heavy snowfall and severe cold this winter,” he said. “I wish each and every one of you a peaceful spring. I wish you all good health and happiness.”
A festive event will be held at the Imperial Palace, where the emperor will be congratulated by members of the imperial family, heads of the three branches of government, including Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and other invited guests.
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Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako acknowledge well-wishers who visited the Imperial Palace to celebrate the emperor's birthday on Feb. 23. (Tatsuya Shimada)
