Around 154,800 people gathered at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Jan. 2 for the last chance to see Emperor Akihito offer New Year’s greetings, the Imperial Household Agency said.
The well-wishers formed lines early in the morning, and the agency opened the gates about 15 minutes ahead of schedule.
At around 10:10 a.m., Akihiko, who is expected to abdicate at the end of April, stood on the balcony along with Empress Michiko and other imperial family members.
“In starting this year, I pray for peace and happiness for people in Japan and the world,” the emperor said.