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TOKYO, JAPAN - JANUARY 2: (NO SALES TO JAPANESE BROADCASTERS) (SPEECH) His Majesty the Emperor delivers New Year’s greeting on January 2, 2026, in Tokyo, Japan. The New Year’s General Public Greeting was held at the Imperial Palace on January 2, with approximately 60,000 people attending. His Majesty the Emperor Naruhito and Her Majesty the Empress Masako appeared on the palace balcony together with their daughter Princess Aiko, His Majesty the Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Her Majesty the Empress Emerita Michiko, Their Imperial Highness Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Kako, and Prince Hisahito, among other members of the Imperial Family. At the Greeting, the Emperor delivered the greeting saying "Happy New Year. I am delighted to celebrate the New Year together with all the people like this. But on the other hand, last year, there were many natural disasters such as earthquake, torrential rain, wildfire and heavy snow fall, and I am worried that, because of these disasters, there are many people who are having difficult time. I assume that these people are in much difficulties but I hope that it will be calm and happy year for all the people". Prince Hisahito, who came of age in September 2025, participated in the New Year’s Public Greeting for the first time wearing formal morning dress. Emperor Emeritus Akihito, who turned 92 in December, stood alongside Empress Emerita Michiko and waved his hand with a gentle smile. It marked the first time that three generations of the Imperial Family, the Emperor’s family, the former Emperor and Empress, and the Akishino family—appeared together at the event. (Footage by Fuji TV Editorial/Getty Images)