Nearly 16,000 people visit the palace to celebrate Emperor’s birthday

Japan’s Emperor Naruhito has marked his 64th birthday by addressing citizens who’d gathered at the Imperial Palace on Friday. The Emperor appeared on the balcony of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. The Imperial Household Agency said that nearly 16,000 people visited the palace to celebrate the Emperor’s birthday.

The Emperor expressed his condolences for people who died in last month’s earthquake on the Noto Peninsula, and conveyed his sympathy to their families and other people affected by the disaster. He also said he hopes the coming spring will be a peaceful one for everyone.