The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Tokyo

Japan's Emperor Akihito and members of the royal family greeted thousands of well-wishers at the Imperial Palace as they celebrated his 74th birthday on Sunday. "I thank you for coming to wish my birthday on this cold, rainy day," he said from the palace's glass-covered balcony as people waived flags in the drizzle. "I hope the new year will be a bright and happy one for you," he said. Crown Princess Masako, wearing a black suit and a hat, waived back to the more than 11,000-strong crowd alongside her husband Crown Prince Naruhito. The royal family appeared three times to greet the well-wishers in the morning, the palace said. Princess Kiko, the wife of Naruhito's brother Akishino, did not take part due to illness. Emperor Akihito took the throne in 1989, succeeding his father the late Emperor Hirohito. The emperor held a press briefing Thursday ahead of his birthday, during which he criticised media reports for misinterpreting his comments about the crown prince and princess.