Tokyo Dec. 2 (BNA): Emperor Naruhito on Monday delivered a New Year’s address and welcomed members of the public for the first time in three years as the country eases restrictions on the COVID-19 pandemic amid a year-end surge in infections.
“The spread of the coronavirus has been difficult for everyone, but I am very happy to welcome you back,” Reuters quoted Naruhito as telling the flag-waving crowd at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
He added, “We are facing many difficulties, but I hope it will be a peaceful and good New Year for everyone, and as the year begins, I pray that people in Japan and around the world will be happy.”
Naruhito, 62, was joined by members of the royal family, including his wife, Empress Masako, 59, and his father, Emperor Emeritus Akihito, 89, who abdicated in 2019. The emperor’s daughter, Princess Aiko, 21, was also involved. For the first time, according to the Imperial Household Agency.
About 9,600 people, divided into six groups over the course of the day, were chosen by lottery to attend the New Year’s event, far fewer than the tens of thousands who usually gather for the traditional royal salute.
Japan entered the eighth wave of COVID-19 infections in November when daily cases began to exceed 100,000. Since the start of the pandemic, the country has recorded nearly 30 million infections and nearly 60,000 deaths.
Japan lifted most restrictions on overseas travelers in October in an effort to revive tourism, but said last month it would require people from China to be tested upon arrival after a recent spike in cases there.
MI