"Who Is That Man?"... The Figure Making His First Appearance Next to Princess Aiko at the New Year's Event

New Year's Celebration at the Tokyo Imperial Palace
Emperor and Empress Emerita, Princess Aiko Attend
Prince Hisahito, 19, Second in Line to the Throne, Makes First Appearance

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

Princess Kako (left) and Prince Hisahito. 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. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, along with other members of the imperial family, stood on the palace veranda and waved in response to the cheers of the crowd.

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

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 noteworthy was Prince Hisahito (19), son of Crown Prince Fumihito and second in line to the throne, who made his first public appearance at the New Year's celebration for the general public.

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

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

The event was held five times throughout the day-three times in the morning and twice in the afternoon. The imperial family's New Year's greeting for the public has been a tradition since 1948 and is almost the only opportunity for ordinary citizens to enter the palace and see the imperial family in person. The Emperor's New Year's greeting was held three times in the morning and twice in the afternoon.