TOKYO - Japan’s Emperor Naruhito waved to cheering, flag-waving crowds from a palace balcony Thursday in his first New Year’s greeting since ascending to the throne. Naruhito and his wife Masako were joined by his parents, the former Emperor Akihito and his wife Michiko, in the appearance at the Imperial Palace. “I hope this new year will be a year free of disasters, peaceful and good for all of you,“ he said. Akihito’s final New Year’s appearance as emperor last year drew more than 150,000 people, a record for his reign. Public broadcaster NHK TV said some 55,000 people had thronged the palace to cheer the imperial family by late Thursday morning.

Source: thestar January 02, 2020 04:30 UTC