Japan’s imperial family don face masks as they greet cheering crowds outside Tokyo palace

The Japanese Imperial Family have ushered in the new year in public for the first time since before the Covid pandemic – albeit with caution.

Emperor Naruhito, 62, last greeted crowds on new year’s day in January 2020, just weeks before the world was plunged into lockdown as coronavirus took hold. 

But after two years celebrating in private, the Imperial Family made the symbolic decision to appear in public for a large new year’s gathering on Monday as they waved to well-wishers outside the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

Their appearance comes after the family posed for new year’s portraits inside the palace. 

Despite signalling of optimism for Japan with their greeting, the family remained cautious and set an example to others by wearing face coverings as they waved. 

Naruhito, joined by Empress Masako, was scheduled to make six brief appearances throughout the day at a glass-covered balcony of the palace to express his wish for happiness for all.

The Empress, 59 looked elegant as ever in a white, silk-effect long-sleeved wrap dress, with her hair perfectly styled in a clean low updo. She wore a string of pearls and pearl earrings.

Former Empress Michiko, former Emperor Akihito, Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and Princess Aiko waved to well-wishers for the New Year’s greetings

Princess Tsuguko of Takamado, Princess Hisako of Takamado, Princess Hanako of Hitachi, and Prince Hitachi attend the new year’s greeting

Crown Prince Fumihito of Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko of Akishino, Princess Kako of Akishino, Princess Yuriko of Mikasa, Princess Nobuko of Mikasa and Princess Akiko of Mikasa wave to crowds

The Imperial family, who gathered to greet well-wishers, all wore face masks as Covid restrictions remained in place

Crowds gathered and waved Japanese flags outside the Imperial Palace in Tokyo as the Imperial Family appeared to greet them

The couple was joined by their daughter Aiko and Naruhito’s parents former Emperor Akihito and former Empress Michiko, among other relatives.

Princess Aiko wore a high-neck powder blue long-sleeved dress with buttoned cuffs and a brooch on her left side.

Meanwhile Princess Akiko also opted for powder blue in a long-sleeved dress with a laser cut-out effect, and accessorised with simple pearl earrings and a string of pearls around her neck. 

The Imperial Family remained cautious in their invitations, allowing 1,500 people into the palace in the Japanese capital, in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

In 2020, before the pandemic started to affect Japan, a total of almost 70,000 well-wishers came to see Naruhito’s new year’s address. The palace cancelled the event in 2021 and 2022 to prevent infections.

The royal couple was joined by their daughter Aiko and Naruhito’s parents former Emperor Akihito and former Empress Michiko, among other relatives

“I am truly happy that I am able to celebrate the new year together with you after three years,” he said.

“As we stand at the start of this year, I wish for the happiness of people of our country and the world.”

The royal couple resumed public appearances gradually in 2022.

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