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As part of their annual New Year celebrations, members of the Japanese Imperial Family, including Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako, joined Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko as they waved to well-wishers and the Emperor gave his final New Year’s Speech, ahead of his Abdication in April, from the balcony of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on January 2nd. On the 1st, the Imperial Family hosted a glittering New Year’s Reception for dignitaries.