Emperor Akihito of Japan was joined by members of the Imperial Family as they waved to the crowds assembled in honour of his 84th Birthday at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on December 23rd. This was probably the Emperor’s second last birthday celebrations before he abdicates in April 2019.

Embed from Getty ImagesEmbed from Getty Images

Emperor Akihito was joined by Empress Michiko, Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako, Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko, and Princess Mako on the bullet-proofed balcony of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to wave to thousands of well-wishers celebrating the Emperor’s 84th Birthday. Emperor Akihito gave a speech.