epa12621337 Japanese Emperor Naruhito (C-L) and Empress Masako (C-R) wave to well-wishers with other members of the Imperial Family from the balcony during the New Year's public appearance at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan, 02 January 2026. People gathered at the Imperial Palace for the traditional New Year greetings by the Japanese Imperial Family. ...

epa12621340 Well-wishers wave Japan's national flags during the New Year's public appearance of the Japanese Imperial Family at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan, 02 January 2026. People gathered at the Imperial Palace for the traditional New Year greetings by the Japanese Imperial Family. EPA/KIYOSHI OTA

epa12621342 (L-R) Japanese Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Kako, and Prince Hisahito wave to well-wishers from the balcony during the New Year's public appearance at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan, 02 January 2026. People gathered at the Imperial Palace for the traditional New Year greetings by the Japanese Imperial Family. ...

epa12621343 Japanese Emperor Naruhito (L) addresses well-wishers from the balcony during the New Year's public appearance at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan, 02 January 2026. People gathered at the Imperial Palace for the traditional New Year greetings by the Japanese Imperial Family. EPA/KIYOSHI OTA

epa12621339 Japanese Emperor Emeritus Akihito (R) and Empress Emerita Michiko (L) look on from the balcony during the New Year's public appearance at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan, 02 January 2026. People gathered at the Imperial Palace for the traditional New Year greetings by the Japanese Imperial Family. EPA/KIYOSHI OTA

epa12621338 Japanese Emperor Naruhito (C-L) addresses well-wishers from the balcony during the New Year's public appearance at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan, 02 January 2026. People gathered at the Imperial Palace for the traditional New Year greetings by the Japanese Imperial Family. EPA/KIYOSHI OTA

epa12621336 Well-wishers wave Japan's national flags during the New Year's public appearance of the Japanese Imperial Family at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan, 02 January 2026. People gathered at the Imperial Palace for the traditional New Year greetings by the Japanese Imperial Family. EPA/KIYOSHI OTA

epa12621335 Police officers escort well-wishers arriving for the New Year's public appearance of the Japanese Imperial Family at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan, 02 January 2026. People gathered at the Imperial Palace for the traditional New Year greetings by the Japanese Imperial Family. EPA/KIYOSHI OTA