On January 2, 2024, the Japanese Imperial Family hosted the New Year general public greeting at the Imperial Palace, marking the first time the event has been held since its cancellation last year due to the Noto Peninsula earthquake on January 1, 2023. Over 66,690 people attended the event, eager to connect with their Imperial family and celebrate the New Year together.
The royal balcony of the Chowa Hall was graced by the presence of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, alongside their daughter, Princess Aiko, Crown Prince Akishino and his wife Kiko, Princess Hisako, as well as former Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. The sight of the family together lent a distinct warmth to the proceedings.
Delivering his New Year message, Emperor Naruhito expressed heartfelt sentiments to the gathered crowd, saying, "I am glad to celebrate the New Year together with all of you." He also addressed recent natural disasters, adding, "I continue to worry about many people who are having difficult lives because of last year’s earthquakes and heavy rains," reflecting the royal family's compassionate nature toward those affected by calamities.
Princess Aiko, who had been diagnosed with influenza shortly before the New Year, appeared vibrant and engaged during the event. She waved to the crowd and shared smiles with her mother, Empress Masako, signifying her recovery from illness.
While the atmosphere was largely joyous, some attendees voiced concern for Empress Michiko’s health. Empress Michiko had suffered from a fractured femur and undergone surgery last October, leading to significant rehabilitation efforts. Though she attended the New Year greeting without the use of her cane, many observed her relatively quiet demeanor. According to one royal correspondent, "There were voices of concern for Empress Michiko's health among the attendees." The empress remained composed and close to Emperor Akihito during the event.
One photographer noted, "Empress Michiko had a serene expression, but I didn’t see her wave even once throughout the event, which was concerning because she usually greets the crowd with waves." This observation sparked discussions among reporters about her health and the royal family’s decision to have her attend without her cane, seemingly to present a strong image for public attendees.
Royal family reporters echoed these concerns, emphasizing the strain of her age-related rehabilitation. "It seems her rehabilitation is progressing well, but the burden on her body due to her age is considerable," described one observer. These sentiments reflect the challenges faced by the royal family and highlight the delicate balance they maintain amid public engagements and personal health issues.
Despite the worries for Empress Michiko, the overall atmosphere of the event was celebratory, as thousands gathered to convey their wishes for peace and prosperity. This gathering served not only to honor traditions but also to strengthen the bond between the Imperial Family and their subjects.
Reflecting on the day's events, it became clear this New Year greeting was more than just tradition; it signified resilience and hope for recovery for both the royal family and the citizens. The Imperial family's commitment to engage with the public during these challenging times remains steadfast, eliciting warm responses from attendees.