Tokyo, Jan. 2 (Jiji Press)–Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and other Imperial Family members appeared before visitors from the general public for New Year’s greetings at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Friday. Imperial Family members, including Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, as well as Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko, stood on the palace veranda and waved to visitors. In his speech, the Emperor expressed concern for those still facing difficulties due to last year’s major natural disasters. “I know there are many difficulties, but I wish everyone a good and moderate year,” he said. Prince Hisahito, the son of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko and currently a first-year student at the University of Tsukuba, attended the New Year’s public appearance event for the first time. Last year, the Imperial Household Agency lifted restrictions on the number of visitors to the New Year event. Still, it continued to ask visitors to take measures against coronavirus and other infections, such as keeping a certain distance from others. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
Imperial Family Appears in Public for New Year’s Greetings
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