Emperor Naruhito marked his 65th birthday on February 23, 2024, with a heartfelt public gathering at the Imperial Palace, eliciting waves of goodwill from thousands of well-wishers who turned out to celebrate the occasion. The event drew approximately 23,000 visitors, reiteration of the enduring affection and respect the Japanese people hold for their Emperor.
From the balcony of the Chowa-den hall, the Emperor graciously addressed the crowd, saying, "I wish everyone around the country a peaceful spring." His sentiments, shared thrice on this special day, signaled his hope for the overall well-being of his countrymen, especially those affected by recent harsh winter weather.
Accompanied by Empress Masako, their daughter Princess Aiko, and various members of the Imperial Family, Emperor Naruhito reiterated his dedication to the nation. His family appeared before the public with warm smiles, creating moments of joy for those gathered outside the palace. Among the audience, many took the opportunity to sign their names in the congratulatory book offered by the Imperial Household Agency.
Reflecting on the day's significance, the Emperor hosted the Enkai no Gi, his birthday lunch ceremony for the first time since the pandemic began. Approximately 100 attendees included Japan's legislative, administrative, and judicial heads, alongside foreign ambassadors. During the lunch, he expressed, "I pray for the happiness of the people and the development of the country, and also for your health," underscoring his commitment to collective well-being.
The past five years have been challenging for many due to the separation caused by the global pandemic; hence this year’s event was particularly poignant. The Emperor noted, "I wish for everyone's good health and happiness," during his greetings at the gathering.
Before his birthday, Emperor Naruhito addressed pressing issues at his press conference, advocating for reflection as Japan approaches the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. He emphasized the importance of remembering history as a means of fostering peace. "I believe it is important to strengthen our love for peace by deepening our understandings of the past and not forgetting those who lost their lives nor those who experienced hardship and sadness," he stated, as reported by Kyodo.
Highlighting Japan's historical lessons, he urged younger generations to learn about these pivotal moments. At the same time, he hoped for cooperation and collaboration on the international stage to build a peaceful society illustrating shared values.
Beyond merely celebrating his birthday, Emperor Naruhito expressed gratitude for the warm reception he received, stating, "I wish for peaceful spring for each and every one of you..." His words aim to uplift the spirits of those affected by recent storms hounding much of Japan's coastal regions.
Having visited disaster-hit regions like the Noto Peninsula earlier this year, the Emperor recalled, "I hope those living there will soon return to peaceful lives. The state of the present world, fraught with conflicts and challenges, only underlines the need for unity and resilience among people.
Established communication channels, like the Imperial Household Agency’s official Instagram account launched last year, were discussed by the Emperor to promote trust and empathy within society. Highlighting the need for emotional consideration and kindness, he urged people to be mindful of others' perspectives, saying, "I wish for a sympathetic society in which we think about other people's feelings..."
Another bright highlight during the press conference was his positive reflections on Princess Aiko's growth. The Emperor expressed his contentment at watching her thrive at the Japanese Red Cross Society, adding, "I hope she continues to grow and broadens her perspective through her experiences."
The celebrations surrounding Emperor Naruhito's birthday not only encapsulated respect and admiration for the monarch but also served as a platform to rejuvenate the nation’s spirit with hope and positivity, making it clear just how intertwined the royal family remains with the daily lives of the Japanese people. From commemorative events reminiscing about lessons learned to heartfelt wishes for peace and harmony, this 65th birthday was as much about the future as it was about reflecting on historical trials. Weaving together familial love and communal resilience, the day served to reinforce the bond between the Emperor and his subjects, signaling brighter days and shared aspirations for the future.