Almost 45,000 Gather in Tokyo to See Japanese Emperor's New Year Appearance

Almost 45,000 have gathered at the Imperial Palace in the Japanese capital in the first half of Saturday to witness the New Year appearance of Emperor Akihito, NHK TV reports.

TOKYO (Sputnik) –  The emperor’s first appearance took place at 09:30 local time (00:30 GMT). 

From behind bullet proof glass, #Japanese #Emperor #Akihito talks peace, #Tohoku recovery in new year address #Tokyo pic.twitter.com/SKzeV6rsNj

— Kimberly Gale (@kimberlygale) 2 января 2016

Akihito was joined by his wife, Empress Michiko, and Crown Prince Naruhito, as well as other members of the imperial family. In total, they are scheduled to make five appearances on Saturday.

#謹賀新年 HIM Emperor Akihito & the other members of Imperial Family appeared at People’s Greeting of #NewYear at Palace pic.twitter.com/nCDYnx4gmP

— yoshitada okada (@okadascape) 2 января 2016

Standing behind bullet-proof glass, the emperor addressed the crowd, expressing hope for peace in Japan and the world as a whole.

Akihito has been Emperor of Japan since January 7, 1989. The Japanese Emperor is a ceremonial head of state whose powers are limited to ceremonial functions.