Jan 03 (NHK) - Japanese Emperor Naruhito said he is praying for the happiness of people in Japan and the world in his first New Year greetings of the Reiwa era.
The Emperor, who ascended the throne last May, and other members of the Imperial family greeted well-wishers at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Thursday.
He expressed concern about the difficulties many people are facing following last year's typhoons and heavy rains.
He was joined on the palace balcony by Empress Masako, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko as well as Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino.
It was the first time since the Imperial succession that the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita appeared in public with the Emperor and Empress.
The Imperial Household Agency says more than 68,000 people had visited the palace.
Source: ANNnewsCH