January 1: Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and Imperial family attended scaled down 2021 New Year receptions. The ladies did not wear tiaras in consideration of people's struggles amid the pandemic.
📸 https://t.co/Yj3jWEwKnY
📸 https://t.co/mlDmuqm5pb
📹 https://t.co/g3GdEEcZGZ pic.twitter.com/vPLTZrF8pE

— Prisma 😷 (@ImperialJPNfan) January 2, 2021

Emperor Naruhito (wearing the Sash and Star of the Order of the Paulownia Flowers and the Star and Collar of the Order of the Chrysanthemum) and Empress Masako of Japan (wearing a Pearl Necklace, Diamond Scroll Brooch, and the Order of the Precious Crown) presided over the annual Ceremony of New Year’s Celebration at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on January 1st. The Emperor and Empress received greetings from the other members of Imperial Family; the Prime Minister, Ministers, the Secretary of the Supreme Court, members of the House of Representatives, the Chairman of the House of Representatives, the Chairman of the House of Councillors, and heads of diplomatic missions to Japan. This was the second New Year’s Reception of Emperor Naruhito’s Reign, but due to the ongoing pandemic, the Ceremonies were reduced from six to five, and only one-tenth, 262, people were received. The Imperial ladies refrained from wearing Tiaras due to the ‘severe situation of many people’.

Crown Prince Akishino (in the Order of the Chrysanthemum) and Crown Princess Kiko (wearing the Order of the Precious Crown), Princess Mako, Princess Kako and were also present along with other extended members of the Imperial Family; Princess Tomohito of Mikasa, Princess Akiko, Princess Yōko, Princess Takamado and Princess Tsuguko (all in the Order of the Precious Crown).