Emperor Naruhito Wishes for a Peaceful New Year... 19-Year-Old Prince, Second in Line, Attends for the First Time

New Year's Celebration at Tokyo Imperial Palace
Emperor and Empress, Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita, and Princess Aiko in Attendance

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako expressed their wishes for a peaceful year to participants at the New Year's celebration for the public, known as "Ippansanga," held at the Tokyo Imperial Palace on January 2.

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako greet the audience at the New Year's celebration held at the Tokyo Imperial Palace on the 2nd. Photo by EPA Yonhap News

According to NHK, Kyodo News, and Yomiuri Shimbun, more than 11,000 citizens entered the palace after the main gate opened at 9:30 a.m. that day. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, along with other members of the royal family, stood on the palace balcony and waved in response to the cheers of the crowd.

In his greeting, the Emperor said, "Last year, I was concerned that many people had to endure hardships due to disasters such as earthquakes, heavy rains, fires, and snowstorms that occurred across the country," and added, "I hope that this year will be a peaceful and good year for everyone." He continued, "At the start of the year, I wish happiness to the people of Japan and the world."

Princess Kako (left) and Prince Hisahito. Photo by EPA Yonhap News

In addition to the Emperor and Empress, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko, and Princess Aiko, Prince Hisahito-second in line to the throne-attended the event for the first time. Particularly notable at this event was Prince Hisahito (19), son of Crown Prince Fumihito and second in line to the throne, who made his first public appearance at the Ippansanga.

Although Emperor Naruhito has an only daughter, Princess Aiko, women are not permitted to ascend the throne under the current rules of the Japanese imperial family, making his cousin Prince Hisahito the second in line. The first in line is Emperor Naruhito's younger brother, Crown Prince Fumihito (60). However, considering Crown Prince Fumihito's age, now over 60, it is likely that Prince Hisahito will inherit the throne in the future.

The event was held five times throughout the day-three times in the morning and twice in the afternoon. The New Year's Ippansanga is a traditional event that has continued since 1948, providing the general public with a rare opportunity to enter the palace and meet the royal family in person. The Emperor's New Year's greetings were delivered three times in the morning and twice in the afternoon on this day.