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Japanese emperor hopes for world peace in coming year

In an address from the Imperial Palace on Saturday, Emperor Akihito hoped for happiness and world peace in the coming year
In an address from the Imperial Palace on Saturday, Emperor Akihito hoped for happiness and world peace in the coming year

(Photo by Tokyo Reporter, January 2, 2010)

TOKYO (TR) – In his annual New Year’s address, Emperor Akihito on Saturday hoped for world peace in the coming year.

Speaking from a balcony at the Imperial Palace and accompanied by imperial family members, including Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako, the emperor greeted an estimated 50,000 well-wishers, many waving paper Japanese flags, over the course of the day.

“As the year begins,” he said, “I pray for happiness and world peace.”

The day before, the emperor issued a New Year statement to convey sympathy to those affected by the nation’s ongoing economic difficulties.

“Last year, many people faced hardships due to the continuing severe economic conditions,” he said, “and my heart goes out to them. I hope that everyone will help one another and support each other to overcome the challenges they are facing.”

In an address from the Imperial Palace on Saturday, Emperor Akihito hoped for happiness and world peace in the coming year
In an address from the Imperial Palace on Saturday, Emperor Akihito hoped for happiness and world peace in the coming year

(Photo by Tokyo Reporter, January 2, 2010)

In an address from the Imperial Palace on Saturday, Emperor Akihito hoped for happiness and world peace in the coming year
In an address from the Imperial Palace on Saturday, Emperor Akihito hoped for happiness and world peace in the coming year

(Photo by Tokyo Reporter, January 2, 2010)

In an address from the Imperial Palace on Saturday, Emperor Akihito hoped for happiness and world peace in the coming year
In an address from the Imperial Palace on Saturday, Emperor Akihito hoped for happiness and world peace in the coming year

(Photo by Tokyo Reporter, January 2, 2010)

In an address from the Imperial Palace on Saturday, Emperor Akihito hoped for happiness and world peace in the coming year
In an address from the Imperial Palace on Saturday, Emperor Akihito hoped for happiness and world peace in the coming year

(Photo by Tokyo Reporter, January 2, 2010)

In an address from the Imperial Palace on Saturday, Emperor Akihito hoped for happiness and world peace in the coming year
In an address from the Imperial Palace on Saturday, Emperor Akihito hoped for happiness and world peace in the coming year

(Photo by Tokyo Reporter, January 2, 2010)

In an address from the Imperial Palace on Saturday, Emperor Akihito hoped for happiness and world peace in the coming year
In an address from the Imperial Palace on Saturday, Emperor Akihito hoped for happiness and world peace in the coming year

(Photo by Tokyo Reporter, January 2, 2010)

In an address from the Imperial Palace on Saturday, Emperor Akihito hoped for happiness and world peace in the coming year
In an address from the Imperial Palace on Saturday, Emperor Akihito hoped for happiness and world peace in the coming year

(Photo by Tokyo Reporter, January 2, 2010)