2019 General New Year's Celebration at the Imperial Palace
January 2, 2019, Tokyo, Japan - Emperor Akihito, accompanied by Empress Michiko, makes a public appearance - his last as Japan's emperor - with the members of his family, receiving thousands of well-wishers during an annual New Year audience at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Wednesday, Wednesday. with the members of his family, receiving thousands of well-wishers during an annual New Year audience at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Wednesday, Wednesday, January 2, 2019. Akihito is set to abdicate on April 30, to be succeeded by his eldest son, Crown Prince Naruhito, on May 1. (Photo by Natsuki Sakai/AFLO) AYF -mis-