Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako greet public for the first time since ascension

Thousands of well-wishers packed into the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to see the new emperor

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Well-wishers at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Saturday. Photo: Reuters

Published: 9:32am, 4 May 2019Updated: 10:11pm, 4 May 2019

Cheers and screams filled the air in Tokyo on Saturday as Japan’s Emperor Naruhito greeted thousands of well-wishers at the Imperial Palace, in his first public appearance since his enthronement earlier this week.

Accompanied by his wife Empress Masako and other members of the imperial family, the 59-year-old, who ascended to the Chrysanthemum Throne on Wednesday, waved to the crowd from behind the windows of a balcony at the palace in Tokyo.

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako greet well-wishers on Saturday. Photo: Reuters

People queued for hours to see the new emperor and his family stand on a palace balcony and wave to the gathered crowds. Normally such greetings take place during the new year’s holiday and on the emperor’s birthday.

“I am deeply grateful and pleased that I am receiving celebration from you all today,” said Naruhito, wearing a formal suit and standing next to his wife, Empress Masako. “I wish for your health and happiness, and sincerely hope that our country pursues world peace hand in hand with other countries and will develop further.”

As he waved from the balcony, where he was accompanied by other members of his royal family, the spectators cheered, took photos and waved Japanese flags.

The new emperor’s ascent came a day after his 85-year-old father, former emperor Akihito, became the first Japanese monarch in 202 years to abdicate.