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Reuters
Reuters
Health

Japan's emperor gives first public New Year's greeting since 2020

Japan's Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, former Japanese emperor Akihito and former empress Michiko appear before well-wishers during the traditional New Year's greeting ceremony by Japan's royal family at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on January 2, 2023. PHILIP FONG/Pool via REUTERS

Japan's Emperor Naruhito on Monday gave a New Year's address and greeted members of the public for the first time in three years as the country eases COVID-19 pandemic restrictions amid a year-end surge in infections.

"The spread of the coronavirus has been difficult for everyone, but I am very pleased to be able to greet you again," Naruhito told the flag-waving crowd at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

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