Japan emperor makes first public new year's appearance since 2020 / Photo: Shuji Kajiyama - POOL/AFP
-
Heathrow still Europe's busiest airport, but Istanbul gaining fast
-
Highest storm alert lifted in Spain, one woman missing
-
Shell profits climb despite falling oil prices
-
Pakistan will seek govt nod in potential India T20 finals clash
-
China shuns calls to enter nuclear talks after US-Russia treaty lapses
-
German factory orders rise at fastest rate in 2 years in December
-
Nigeria president deploys army after new massacre
-
Ukraine, Russia, US start second day of war talks
-
Nepal's youth lead the charge in the upcoming election
-
Sony hikes forecasts even as PlayStation falters
-
Rijksmuseum puts the spotlight on Roman poet's epic
-
Trump fuels EU push to cut cord with US tech
-
Fearless talent: Five young players to watch at the T20 World Cup
-
India favourites as T20 World Cup to begin after chaotic build-up
-
Voter swings raise midterm alarm bells for Trump's Republicans
-
Australia dodges call for arrest of visiting Israel president
-
Countries using internet blackouts to boost censorship: Proton
-
Top US news anchor pleads with kidnappers for mom's life
-
Thailand's pilot PM on course to keep top job
-
The coming end of ISS, symbol of an era of global cooperation
-
New crew set to launch for ISS after medical evacuation
-
Family affair: Thailand waning dynasty still election kingmaker
-
Japan's first woman PM tipped for thumping election win
-
Stocks in retreat as traders reconsider tech investment
-
LA officials call for Olympic chief to resign over Epstein file emails
-
Ukraine, Russia, US to start second day of war talks
-
Fiji football legend returns home to captain first pro club
-
Trump attacks US electoral system with call to 'nationalize' voting
-
Barry Manilow cancels Las Vegas shows but 'doing great' post-surgery
-
US households become increasingly strained in diverging economy
-
Four dead men: the cold case that engulfed a Colombian cycling star
-
Super Bowl stars stake claims for Olympic flag football
-
On a roll, Brazilian cinema seizes its moment
-
Rising euro, falling inflation in focus at ECB meeting
-
AI to track icebergs adrift at sea in boon for science
-
Indigenous Brazilians protest Amazon river dredging for grain exports
-
Google's annual revenue tops $400 bn for first time, AI investments rise
-
Last US-Russia nuclear treaty ends in 'grave moment' for world
-
Man City brush aside Newcastle to reach League Cup final
-
Guardiola wants permission for Guehi to play in League Cup final
-
Boxer Khelif reveals 'hormone treatments' before Paris Olympics
-
'Bad Boy,' 'Little Pablo' and Mordisco: the men on a US-Colombia hitlist
-
BHP damages trial over Brazil mine disaster to open in 2027
-
Dallas deals Davis to Wizards in blockbuster NBA trade: report
-
Iran-US talks back on, as Trump warns supreme leader
-
Lens cruise into French Cup quarters, Endrick sends Lyon through
-
No.1 Scheffler excited for Koepka return from LIV Golf
-
Curling quietly kicks off sports programme at 2026 Winter Olympics
-
Undav pokes Stuttgart past Kiel into German Cup semis
-
Germany goalkeeper Ter Stegen to undergo surgery
NYSE - LSE
Japan emperor makes first public new year's appearance since 2020
Japanese Emperor Naruhito on Monday made his first public New Year's greetings since 2020, resuming an annual tradition with caution as the nation and the royal family gradually return to normalcy.
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 couple was joined by their daughter Aiko and Naruhito's parents former Emperor Akihito and former Empress Michiko, among other relatives.
Only about 1,500 well-wishers at a time, chosen by lottery, were allowed to enter the vast palace in the Japanese capital in an effort to prevent the spread of the 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.
"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.
O.Salim--SF-PST
