On the morning of Saturday, January 2, 2016, Their Imperial Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan accompanied by TIHs Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako of Japan, TIHs Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko of Japan, TIHs Princess Kako and Princess Mako of Japan, TIHs Prince Hitachi and Princess Hitachi, TIHs Prince Mikasa and Princess Mikasa, and TIHs Princess Tomohito and Princess Akiko of Mikasa appeared on the Chowa-den Hall balcony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to wish 45,000 Japanese citizens as well as tourists a very Happy New Year.

In his speech to the crowd Emperor Akihito stated “…I am truly pleased to celebrate this New Year with you.  From the start of this New Year, I pray for peace for our nation and for the world…”