On the 23rd, the Emperor's birthday, a public visit was held at the Imperial Palace to celebrate the Emperor's 63rd birthday.
It will be the first time for the general public to attend a birthday celebration since the enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor.
The general visit on the 23rd was limited to about 4,800 participants selected by lottery to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.
Three times in the morning, His Majesty the Emperor stood on the balcony of the Imperial Palace with the Empress, her eldest daughter Princess Aiko, Prince and Princess Akishino, and their second daughter Princess Kako, and waved to the gathered people. rice field.
The emperor said, "I am very happy to receive such a congratulations from everyone for the first time on my birthday," and touched on the damage caused by the heavy snowfall this winter, saying, "I would like to convey my heartfelt condolences." was stated.
He then said, "Even though it's cold, I can feel the spring approaching day by day. I hope it will be a peaceful spring for each and every one of you."
His Majesty the Emperor, together with her Empress, received congratulations from Prime Minister Kishida and others in the "Matsu no Ma" of the Palace.
From the afternoon, a registration office will be set up in front of the Imperial Household Agency building in the Imperial Palace.
Registration is open until 3:30pm.