TOKYO, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- Japanese Emperor Akihito offered greetings and prayers of world peace to the people of Japan in his annual New Year's address Saturday morning.
The emperor waved to more than 44,000 well-wishers who gathered below his balcony for one of five New Year's greetings set to take place throughout the day. He was joined by Empress Michiko and other members of the imperial family.