On the afternoon of December 23, 2013, His Imperial Majesty Emperor Akihito of Japan accompanied by Her Imperial Majesty Empress Michiko of Japan, Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako of Japan, Their Imperial Highnesses Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko of Japan and their daughter made a balcony appearance at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on the occasion of the emperor’s 80th birthday.

According to the Imperial Household Agency after the balcony appearance His Imperial Majesty held an audience with the Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. Shinzō Abe, as well as with:

“…the chair of the House of Councillors, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, after which His Majesty will be joined by other members of the Imperial Family at a celebratory luncheon attended by the heads of the three branches of government, members of the Cabinet, and representatives of various fields. This will be followed by tea with the diplomatic corps, tea with former senior officials of the Imperial Household Agency, and tea with lecturers and other guests. 

In the evening, His Majesty will receive birthday greetings from Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko and other young Princesses and Prince of the Imperial Family. Later, His Majesty will sit down to a celebratory birthday dinner with Her Majesty, the children and their spouses…”