Members of Japanese Imperial Family attended the Ceremony of New Year’s Celebration at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on January 1st. Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko were accompanied by Crown Prince Naruhito, Prince and Princess Akishino, Princesses Mako and Kako, and Hanako, Princess Hitachi. Crown Princess Masako was present, though she didn’t attend the ceremony.

The Emperor and Empress receive greetings from the other members of Imperial Family; the Speaker and Vice-Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President and Vice-President of the House of Councillors; Diet members; the Prime Minister; Ministers of State; the Chief Justice and Justices of the Supreme Court; other government officials with Imperial attestation; Administrative Vice-Ministers of Ministries and Agencies and other leading figures of legislative, executive and judicial organs; prefectural governors and chairpersons of prefectural assemblies; and heads of diplomatic missions to Japan and their spouses.

Empress Michiko wore a white evening gown with cape sleeves and a pearl necklace. Crown Princess Masako wore a white evening gown with the Pearl Sunburst Tiara. The Japanese Princesses wore their own tiaras. The men wore White Tie with orders.