JAPAN-HISTORY-WWII(01 of46)
Open Image ModalJapanese Emperor Akihito (L) and Empress Michiko (R) offer flowers at the cenotaph for victims of the 1945 atomic atomic bomb, at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in western Japan on December 4, 2014. The emperor and empress also met people affected by mudslides in August during their two-day trip in Hiroshima. JAPAN OUT AFP PHOTO / JIJI PRESS (Photo credit should read JIJI PRESS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JIJI PRESS via Getty Images)
JAPAN-ROYAL(02 of46)
Open Image ModalJapanese Emperor Akihito (L) and Empress Michiko (2nd L) and the imperial family members walk towards guests during the annual autumn garden party at the Akasaka Palace imperial garden in Tokyo on November 6, 2014. Garden parties are held twice a year, in spring and in autumn. AFP PHOTO / KAZUHIRO NOGI (Photo credit should read KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:KAZUHIRO NOGI via Getty Images)
JAPAN-ROYAL(03 of46)
Open Image ModalJapanese Emperor Akihito (front L) and Empress Michiko (2nd L-behind) greet guests during the annual autumn garden party at the Akasaka Palace imperial garden in Tokyo on November 6, 2014. Garden parties are held twice a year, in spring and in autumn. AFP PHOTO / KAZUHIRO NOGI (Photo credit should read KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:KAZUHIRO NOGI via Getty Images)
JAPAN-NETHERLANDS-DIPLOMACY-ROYALS(04 of46)
Open Image ModalJapan\'s Emperor Akihito (front, L) leaves after a concert while Dutch King Willem-Alexander (rear, L) and Queen Maxima (R) escort at a hotel in Tokyo on October 31, 2014. The Dutch King and Queen are in Japan on a six-day visit. AFP PHOTO / POOL / KAZUHIRO NOGI (Photo credit should read KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:KAZUHIRO NOGI via Getty Images)
JAPAN-NETHERLANDS-DIPLOMACY-ROYALS(05 of46)
Open Image ModalDutch King Willem-Alexander (3rd L), Japan\'s Emperor Akihito (4th L), Empress Michiko (3rd R), and Queen Maxima (2nd R) applaud the performance in a concert hosted by the King at a hotel in Tokyo on October 31, 2014. The Dutch King and Queen are in Japan on a six-day visit. AFP PHOTO / POOL / KAZUHIRO NOGI (Photo credit should read KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:KAZUHIRO NOGI via Getty Images)
JAPAN-NETHERLANDS-DIPLOMACY-ROYALS(06 of46)
Open Image ModalDutch Queen Maxima (2nd R) speaks with Japan\'s Empress Michiko (3rd R) while King Willem-Alexander (L) and Emperor Akihito (2nd L) look at a program prior to a concert at a hotel in Tokyo on October 31, 2014. The Dutch King and Queen are in Japan on a six-day visit. AFP PHOTO / POOL / KAZUHIRO NOGI (Photo credit should read KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:KAZUHIRO NOGI via Getty Images)
JAPAN-NETHERLANDS-DIPLOMACY-ROYALS(07 of46)
Open Image ModalJapan\'s Emperor Akihito (2nd, L) and Empress Michiko (2nd R) leave after a concert while Dutch King Willem-Alexander (L) and Queen Maxima (R) escort at a hotel in Tokyo on October 31, 2014. The Dutch King and Queen are in Japan on a six-day visit. AFP PHOTO / POOL / KAZUHIRO NOGI (Photo credit should read KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:KAZUHIRO NOGI via Getty Images)
JAPAN-NETHERLANDS-DIPLOMACY(08 of46)
Open Image ModalKing Willem Alexander (2nd L) and Queen Maxima (L) of the Netherlands are welcomed by Japanese Emperor Akihito (2nd R) and Empress Michiko upon their arrival for a State Dinner at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on October 29, 2014. AFP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi/ Pool (Photo credit should read SHIZUO KAMBAYASHI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:SHIZUO KAMBAYASHI via Getty Images)
JAPAN-NETHERLANDS-ROYALS(09 of46)
Open Image ModalKing Willem-Alexander of Netherlands (2nd L) and Queen Maxima (L) walk with Japanese Emperor Akihito (R) and Empress Michiko (2nd R) during their welcoming ceremony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on October 29, 2014. Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima are here for a four-day state visit. AFP PHOTO / POOL / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA (Photo credit should read TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA via Getty Images)
JAPAN-CHINA-POLITICS-DIPLOMACY-SHRINE(10 of46)
Open Image ModalA Shinto priest (L) leads a group of imperial envoy (C) as they leave the controversial Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo as Japanese Emperor Akihito presents an offering to the shrine for the shrine\'s autumn festival on October 18, 2014. Two Japanese ministers visited a controversial Tokyo war shrine, becoming the first Cabinet-level minister to join a pilgrimage by 100 lawmakers to the spot condemned by China and Korea as a symbol of Japan\'s wartime aggression. AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO (Photo credit should read YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:YOSHIKAZU TSUNO via Getty Images)
JAPAN-POLITICS(11 of46)
Open Image ModalJapanese Emperor Akihito leaves the opening ceremony of the extra ordinary Diet session at the National Diet in Tokyo on September 29, 2014. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe delivered his policy speech at the Diet session. AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO (Photo credit should read YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:YOSHIKAZU TSUNO via Getty Images)
JAPAN-POLITICS(12 of46)
Open Image ModalJapanese Emperor Akihito delivers his opening address for the extra ordinary Diet session at the National Diet in Tokyo on September 29, 2014. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe delivered his policy speech at the Diet session. AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO (Photo credit should read YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:YOSHIKAZU TSUNO via Getty Images)
JAPAN-CHINA-SKOREA-DIPLOMACY-WWII-YASUKUNI(13 of46)
Open Image ModalJapanese Emperor Akihito (L) and Empress Michiko (R) head for the altar to offer silent prayers during an annual memorial service for war victims in Tokyo on August 15, 2014 as the country marks the 69th anniversary of its surrender in World War II. Two Japanese cabinet ministers visited a controversial war shrine in Tokyo August 15 in a move likely to anger China and South Korea, which see it as a symbol of Japan\'s militarist past. AFP PHOTO / KAZUHIRO NOGI (Photo credit should read KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:KAZUHIRO NOGI via Getty Images)
U.S. President Barack Obama Visits Japan(14 of46)
Open Image ModalU.S. President Barack Obama, second from left, speaks to Japan\'s Emperor Akihito, second from right, and Empress Michiko, right, as the Imperial couple bid farewell to Obama prior to his departure for South Korea in Tokyo, Japan, on Friday, April 25, 2014. Obama arrives in South Korea today for talks on containing North Korea, after the regime fired almost 90 rockets over a period of four weeks and stepped up activity at its nuclear test site. Photographer: Kimimasa Mayama/Pool via Bloomberg (credit:Bloomberg via Getty Images)
US-JAPAN-ASIA-DIPLOMACY(15 of46)
Open Image ModalUS President Barack Obama (2nd L) talks with Japan\'s Emperor Akihito (2nd R) and Empress Michiko (R) in Tokyo on April 25, 2014 as the Imperial couple bid Obama a farewell prior his departure for South Korea. US President Barack Obama vowed on April 24 to defend Japan if China attacks over a tense territorial dispute, but also urged Beijing to step in to thwart North Korea\'s \'dangerous\' nuclear march. AFP PHOTO / POOL / KIMIMASA MAYAMA (Photo credit should read KIMIMASA MAYAMA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:KIMIMASA MAYAMA via Getty Images)
JAPAN-US-DIPLOMACY-OBAMA(16 of46)
Open Image ModalUS President Barack Obama (L) toasts with Japanese Emperor Akihito (R) during the official state dinner at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on April 24, 2014. Obama earlier vowed to defend Japan if China attacks over a tense territorial dispute, but also urged Beijing to help stop North Korea from forging ahead with its \'dangerous\' nuclear programme. AFP PHOTO/POOL/Jim WATSON (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JIM WATSON via Getty Images)
U.S. President Barack Obama Visits Japan(17 of46)
Open Image ModalJapan\'s Emperor AKihito, left, and Empress Michiko look on as U.S. President Barack Obama, not pictured, leaves after a welcoming ceremony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan, on Thursday, April 24, 2014. Obama arrived in Japan yesterday to start a four-country tour of Asia aimed at advancing a Pacific-nations trade pact and reassuring allies the U.S. will back their security interests, including in territorial disputes with China. Photographer: Kimimasa Mayama/Pool via Bloomberg (credit:Bloomberg via Getty Images)
U.S. President Barack Obama Visits Japan(18 of46)
Open Image ModalJapan\'s Emperor AKihito, left, and Empress Michiko wave as U.S. President Barack Obama, not pictured, leaves a welcoming ceremony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan, on Thursday, April 24, 2014. Obama arrived in Japan yesterday to start a four-country tour of Asia aimed at advancing a Pacific-nations trade pact and reassuring allies the U.S. will back their security interests, including in territorial disputes with China. Photographer: Kimimasa Mayama/Pool via Bloomberg (credit:Bloomberg via Getty Images)
JAPAN-US-DIPLOMACY(19 of46)
Open Image ModalUS President Barack Obama (L) is welcomed by Japan\'s Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko (R) upon his arrival at the Imperial Palace during his welcoming ceremony in Tokyo on 24 April 2014. Obama, whose arrival in Tokyo in the evening on April 23 brought parts of the Japanese capital shuddering to a halt amid tight security, will be hoping to capitalise on the enthusiastic welcome he received to shore up the cross-Pacific alliance at a time of uncertainty in Asia. AFP PHOTO / POOL / KIMIMASA MAYAMA (Photo credit should read KIMIMASA MAYAMA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:KIMIMASA MAYAMA via Getty Images)
JAPAN-ROYALS(20 of46)
Open Image ModalJapan\'s Emperor Akihito (middle L), Empress Michiko (middle 2nd L) and the imperial family members walk towards a crowd of guests during the annual spring garden party at the Akasaka Palace imperial garden in Tokyo on April 17, 2014. AFP PHOTO / KAZUHIRO NOGI (Photo credit should read KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:KAZUHIRO NOGI via Getty Images)
Japan v Czech Republic - Davis Cup World Group - DAY 2(21 of46)
Open Image ModalTOKYO, JAPAN - APRIL 05: Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko attend the Davis Cup World Group Quarter Final match between Japan and the Czech Republic at Ariake Coliseum on April 5, 2014 in Tokyo Japan. (Photo by Atsushi Tomura/Getty Images) (credit:Atsushi Tomura via Getty Images)
JAPAN-VIETNAM-DIPLOMACY(22 of46)
Open Image ModalVietnam\'s President Truong Tan Sang (2nd R) and his wife Mai Thi Hanh (L) walk with Japan\'s Emperor Akihito (R) and Empress Michiko (2nd L) during a farewell call by Japan\'s royal couple at the Akasaka Palace state guest house in Tokyo on March 19, 2014. Sang is on a four-day state visit. AFP PHOTO / POOL (Photo credit should read STR/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:STR via Getty Images)
JAPAN-VIETNAM-DIPLOMACY(23 of46)
Open Image ModalVietnam\'s President Truong Tan Sang (L), his wife Mai Thi Hanh (2nd L), Japan\'s Emperor Akihito (2nd R) and Empress Michiko attend a welcoming ceremony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on March 17, 2014. Sang is on a four-day visit. AFP PHOTO / POOL / Toru Hanai (Photo credit should read TORU HANAI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:AFP via Getty Images)
JAPAN-VIETNAM-DIPLOMACY(24 of46)
Open Image ModalVietnam\'s President Truong Tan Sang (C) and his wife Mai Thi Hanh (L) are escorted by Japanese Emperor Akihito (R) and Empress Michiko (2nd L) during a welcoming ceremony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on March 17, 2014. Sang is on a four-day visit. AFP PHOTO / POOL / FRANCK ROBICHON (Photo credit should read FRANCK ROBICHON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:AFP via Getty Images)
JAPAN-VIETNAM-DIPLOMACY-ROYALS(25 of46)
Open Image ModalJapanese Emperor Akihito (L) and Empress Michiko (R) greet journalists while attending a welcoming ceremony for Vietnam\'s President Truong Tan Sang at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on March 17, 2014. Sang is here on a four-day visit. AFP PHOTO / POOL / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA (Photo credit should read TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA via Getty Images)
JAPAN-VIETNAM-DIPLOMACY(26 of46)
Open Image ModalVietnam\'s First Lady Mai Thi Hanh (L) is greeted by Japanese Emperor Akihito (2nd R) while Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang (2nd L) and Japanese Empress Michiko (2nd R-partly hidden) look on, upon their arrival at the Imperial Palace for a welcoming ceremony in Tokyo on March 17, 2014. Sang is on a four-day visit. AFP PHOTO / POOL / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA (Photo credit should read TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA via Getty Images)
JAPAN-NUCLEAR-DISASTER-ACCIDENT-ANNIVERSARY-FUKUSHIMA-TSUNAMI(27 of46)
Open Image ModalJapanese Emperor Akihito (L) and Empress Michiko bow towards the audience as they leave the national memorial service for the victims of the 11 March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Tokyo on March 11, 2014. Japan observed a moment of silence on March 11 to mark the third anniversary of the quake-tsunami disaster which swept away thousands of victims, destroyed coastal communities, and sparked the nuclear emergency that forced a re-think on atomic power. AFP PHOTO / POOL / FRANCK ROBICHON (Photo credit should read FRANCK ROBICHON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:AFP via Getty Images)
JAPAN-NUCLEAR-DISASTER-ACCIDENT-ANNIVERSARY-FUKUSHIMA-TSUNAMI(28 of46)
Open Image ModalJapanese Emperor Akihito (R) with Empress Michiko deliver an address in front of an altar for the victims of the 11 March 2011 earthquake and tsunami at the national memorial service in Tokyo on March 11, 2014. Japan observed a moment of silence on March 11 to mark the third anniversary of the quake-tsunami disaster which swept away thousands of victims, destroyed coastal communities, and sparked the nuclear emergency that forced a re-think on atomic power. AFP PHOTO / POOL / FRANCK ROBICHON (Photo credit should read FRANCK ROBICHON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:AFP via Getty Images)
JAPAN-ESTONIA-DIPLOMACY(29 of46)
Open Image ModalJapan\'s Emperor Akihito shakes hands with Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves (L) at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan on March 7, 2104. Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, and Evelin Ilves are on the 3 days visti to Japan.AFP PHOTO / RAIGO PAJULA (Photo credit should read RAIGO PAJULA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:RAIGO PAJULA via Getty Images)
JAPAN-ESTONIA-DIPLOMACY(30 of46)
Open Image ModalJapan\'s Emperor Akihito (L) speaks with Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves (R) at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan on March 7, 2104. Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, and Evelin Ilves are on the 3 days visti to Japan.AFP PHOTO / RAIGO PAJULA (Photo credit should read RAIGO PAJULA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:RAIGO PAJULA via Getty Images)
JAPAN-ESTONIA-DIPLOMACY(31 of46)
Open Image ModalJapan\'s Emperor Akihito (L) and Empress Michiko wave as the Estonian president leaves the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan on March 7, 2104. Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, and Evelin Ilves are on the 3 days visti to Japan.AFP PHOTO / RAIGO PAJULA (Photo credit should read RAIGO PAJULA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:RAIGO PAJULA via Getty Images)
Japan's Royal Family New Year Greeting(32 of46)
Open Image ModalTOKYO, JAPAN - JANUARY 02: Well-wishers wave national flags and make banzai cheers during a celebration for the New Year by the Japanese Royal Family on the veranda of the Imperial Palace on January 2, 2014 in Tokyo, Japan. In his address to the waiting members of the public, Emperor Akihito wished happiness for the nation and expressed his continuing concern for those still affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. (Photo by Ken Ishii/Getty Images) (credit:Ken Ishii via Getty Images)
Japan's Royal Family New Year Greeting(33 of46)
Open Image ModalTOKYO, JAPAN - JANUARY 02: (L-R) Crown Princess Masako and Crown Prince Naruhito attend celebrations for the New Year on the veranda of the Imperial Palace on January 2, 2014 in Tokyo, Japan. In his address to the waiting members of the public, Emperor Akihito wished happiness for the nation and expressed his continuing concern for those still affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. (Photo by Ken Ishii/Getty Images) (credit:Ken Ishii via Getty Images)
Japan's Royal Family New Year Greeting(34 of46)
Open Image ModalTOKYO, JAPAN - JANUARY 02: (L-R) Prince Akishino, Princess Kiko of Akishino attend celebrations for the New Year on the veranda of the Imperial Palace on January 2, 2014 in Tokyo, Japan. In his address to the waiting members of the public, Emperor Akihito wished happiness for the nation and expressed his continuing concern for those still affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. (Photo by Ken Ishii/Getty Images) (credit:Ken Ishii via Getty Images)
Japan's Royal Family New Year Greeting(35 of46)
Open Image ModalTOKYO, JAPAN - JANUARY 02: (L-R) Prince Akishino, Princess Kiko, Princess Mako of Akishino and Princess Akiko of Mikasa attend celebrations for the New Year on the veranda of the Imperial Palace on January 2, 2014 in Tokyo, Japan. In his address to the waiting members of the public, Emperor Akihito wished happiness for the nation and expressed his continuing concern for those still affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. (Photo by Ken Ishii/Getty Images) (credit:Ken Ishii via Getty Images)
Japan's Royal Family New Year Greeting(36 of46)
Open Image ModalTOKYO, JAPAN - JANUARY 02: (L-R) Princess Noriko, Princess Tsuguko and Princess Hisako of Takamado attend celebrations for the New Year on the veranda of the Imperial Palace on January 2, 2014 in Tokyo, Japan. In his address to the waiting members of the public, Emperor Akihito wished happiness for the nation and expressed his continuing concern for those still affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. (Photo by Ken Ishii/Getty Images) (credit:Ken Ishii via Getty Images)
Japan's Royal Family New Year Greeting(37 of46)
Open Image ModalTOKYO, JAPAN - JANUARY 02: (L-R) Princess Kiko, Princess Mako of Akishino, Princess Akiko of Mikasa attend celebrations for the New Year on the veranda of the Imperial Palace on January 2, 2014 in Tokyo, Japan. In his address to the waiting members of the public, Emperor Akihito wished happiness for the nation and expressed his continuing concern for those still affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. (Photo by Ken Ishii/Getty Images) (credit:Ken Ishii via Getty Images)
Japan's Royal Family New Year Greeting(38 of46)
Open Image ModalTOKYO, JAPAN - JANUARY 02: (L-R) Princess Kiko and Princess Mako of Akishino wave to well-wishers during celebrations for the New Year on the veranda of the Imperial Palace on January 2, 2014 in Tokyo, Japan. In his address to the waiting members of the public, Emperor Akihito wished happiness for the nation and expressed his continuing concern for those still affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. (Photo by Ken Ishii/Getty Images) (credit:Ken Ishii via Getty Images)
Japan's Royal Family New Year Greeting(39 of46)
Open Image ModalTOKYO, JAPAN - JANUARY 02: Emperor Akihito (L) speaks to well-wishers next to Empress Michiko during celebrations for the New Year on the veranda of the Imperial Palace on January 2, 2014 in Tokyo, Japan. In his address to the waiting members of the public, Emperor Akihito wished happiness for the nation and expressed his continuing concern for those still affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. (Photo by Ken Ishii/Getty Images) (credit:Ken Ishii via Getty Images)
Japan's Royal Family New Year Greeting(40 of46)
Open Image ModalTOKYO, JAPAN - JANUARY 02: Emperor Akihito waves to well-wishers during celebrations for the New Year on the veranda of the Imperial Palace on January 2, 2014 in Tokyo, Japan. In his address to the waiting members of the public, Emperor Akihito wished happiness for the nation and expressed his continuing concern for those still affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. (Photo by Ken Ishii/Getty Images) (credit:Ken Ishii via Getty Images)
Japan's Royal Family New Year Greeting(41 of46)
Open Image ModalTOKYO, JAPAN - JANUARY 02: Emperor Akihito (L) waves to well-wishers next to Empress Michiko during celebrations for the New Year on the veranda of the Imperial Palace on January 2, 2014 in Tokyo, Japan. In his address to the waiting members of the public, Emperor Akihito wished happiness for the nation and expressed his continuing concern for those still affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. (Photo by Ken Ishii/Getty Images) (credit:Ken Ishii via Getty Images)
Japan's Royal Family New Year Greeting(42 of46)
Open Image ModalTOKYO, JAPAN - JANUARY 02: Emperor Akihito (L) and Empress Michiko wave to well-wishers during celebrations for the New Year on the veranda of the Imperial Palace on January 2, 2014 in Tokyo, Japan. In his address to the waiting members of the public, Emperor Akihito wished happiness for the nation and expressed his continuing concern for those still affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. (Photo by Ken Ishii/Getty Images) (credit:Ken Ishii via Getty Images)
Japan's Royal Family New Year Greeting(43 of46)
Open Image ModalTOKYO, JAPAN - JANUARY 02: (L-R) Princess Noriko, Princess Tsuguko, Princess Hisako of Takamado, Princess Hanako of Hitachi, Crown Princess Masako, Crown Prince Naruhito, Emperor Akihito, Empress Michiko, Prince Akishino, Princess Kiko, Princess Mako of Akishino, Prince Mikasa, Princess Mikasa and Princess Akiko of Mikasa greet well-wishers as part of celebrations for the New Year on the veranda of the Imperial Palace on January 2, 2014 in Tokyo, Japan. In his address to the waiting members of the public, Emperor Akihito wished happiness for the nation and expressed his continuing concern for those still affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. (Photo by Ken Ishii/Getty Images) (credit:Ken Ishii via Getty Images)
JAPAN-NEW YEAR-ROYALS(44 of46)
Open Image ModalJapanese Emperor Akihito (L) and Empress Michiko (R) wave to well-wishers at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on January 2, 2014. Akihito and his family greeted well-wishers in their customary New Year\'s public appearances. AFP PHOTO / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA (Photo credit should read TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA via Getty Images)
JAPAN-NEW YEAR-ROYALS(45 of46)
Open Image ModalJapanese Emperor Akihito (2nd R) and Empress Michiko (R) wave to well-wishers with Crown Prince Naruhito (2nd L) and Crown Princess Masako (L) at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on January 2, 2014. Akihito and his family greeted well-wishers in their customary New Year\'s public apperances. AFP PHOTO / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA (Photo credit should read TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA via Getty Images)
JAPAN-NEW YEAR-ROYALS(46 of46)
Open Image ModalJapanese Emperor Akihito (centre L) and Empress Michiko (centre R) greet well-wishers waving Japanese flags with other members of Japan\'s royal family at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on January 2, 2014. Akihito and his family greeted well-wishers in their customary New Year\'s public apperances. AFP PHOTO / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA (Photo credit should read TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA via Getty Images)