Emperor Naruhito celebrated his 65th birthday on January 23, 2024, with heartfelt remarks and gracious interactions during the public reception held at the Imperial Palace. The event marked both the milestone birthday of the Emperor and the first large-scale gathering since pandemic restrictions had limited public events.
Standing with Empress Masako, their daughter Aiko, and other members of the Imperial Family, Emperor Naruhito addressed approximately 18,000 attendees who braved the cold to show their respect and joy on his special day. The first public appearance commenced at around 10:20 AM, with the Emperor, capturing the attention of citizens who have come from various regions, standing on the balcony of the Chowa Hall.
During his speech, the Emperor acknowledged the recent severe snowfall and expressed his deep sympathy for those affected. "I would like to express my heartfelt sympathies to those affected by the snow accidents," he stated, reflecting his concern for the well-being of his people. He went on to wish everyone, "I hope everyone will be able to welcome gentle spring," indicating his hopes for recovery and normalcy.
Among the attendees was a 26-year-old office worker from Nakano, who expressed her emotional response to being able to see the Imperial Family up close. "It was so moving to see their smiles and hear their thoughts on the hardships caused by the snowfall," she remarked, highlighting the connection felt between the monarchy and the public during challenging times.
The celebrations also included the first banquet since 2019, known as the "Gempaku no Gi," which will take place later in the day, attended by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and other dignitaries. The Imperial Household Agency noted strict measures would be followed to maintain social distancing protocols during the celebrations.
Beyond the birthday festivities, Emperor Naruhito has shown consistent dedication to addressing national issues. The past year saw him make multiple visits to areas affected by disasters, such as the Noto Peninsula earthquakes. His collective empathy was evident as he reflected on Japan's post-war history and various tribulations faced by its people.
Historically, the Emperor's birthday has also been met with celebrations on social media, with citizens sharing images and messages of support, often highlighting their affection for him. Nevertheless, some debates have arisen over interpretations of social media posts related to the monarchy, with some voices warning against perceived "disrespect". Notably, experts like Akira Takamori have clarified, "Posting such celebratory images does not constitute disrespect but instead reflects love and admiration for the Emperor."
The Imperial Family's commitment to preserving Japan’s historical legacies includes future plans for visiting significant sites related to Japan's wartime experiences. The objective is to honor the memory of those who suffered and lost their lives, reinforcing the Emperor's role as Japan’s symbolic leader.
Overall, the celebration provided not just joy and recognition of the Emperor's personal milestone, but also reinforced the enduring connection between the monarchy and the Japanese people, emphasizing collective resilience and hope for the future. Such public events are pivotal for nurturing the bond of trust and respect built over centuries within the Japanese society.