On the 1st of New Year's Day, a "New Year celebration" was held at the Imperial Palace, and His Majesty the Emperor gave a New Year's greeting, saying, "I pray for the happiness of the people and the development of the country."
The "New Year Celebration Ceremony" is a ceremony in which the Emperor, along with the Empress, receives a New Year celebration from the royal family, the Prime Minister, the chairs and members of both Houses of Representatives, and foreign ambassadors stationed in Japan at the beginning of the year.
At the "Matsu no Ma" in the Imperial Palace and Palace, Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress attended the ceremony together with the royal family, including Prince Akishino, who is the number one successor to the throne, after 11:00 am.
The ritual was carried out thoroughly to prevent infection, such as narrowing down the attendees, and the female imperial family refrained from wearing tiara hair ornaments due to the severe situation of many people.
First, on behalf of the members of the House of Representatives who attended, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Oshima and the Chairman of the House of Councilors Shandong gave New Year's greetings.
In response, His Majesty the Emperor said, "I pray for the happiness of the people and the development of the country at the beginning of the year."
Their Majesties received greetings from Prime Minister Suga, Ministers, and the Secretary of the Supreme Court in the morning.
From the afternoon, you will be able to receive greetings from foreign ambassadors stationed in Japan.