Japan's emperor hopes for 'peaceful and good' 2026 in New Year greeting

Japan’s Emperor Naruhito delivered his New Year’s address on Friday morning (January 2) to hundreds of well-wishers gathered at the grounds of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, wishing everyone a “peaceful and good” year ahead.

“I am mindful that last year brought many hardships for people across the country, with disasters caused by earthquakes, heavy rains, forest fires, and heavy snow,” Emperor Naruhito said during a brief speech from the palace balcony.

The 65-year-old emperor was joined by other members of the imperial family, including his wife, Empress Masako, 62, his father, Emperor Emeritus Akihito, who abdicated in 2019, and his mother, Empress Emerita Michiko.

In 2024, the emperor’s public greeting was canceled following a massive earthquake in northern Japan on New Year’s Day that claimed more than 500 lives.

-Production: Joseph Campbell/Reuters