Emperor Naruhito of Japan will turn 66 years old, marking his birthday with public celebrations and reflections on his memorial journeys over the past year.
On November 23, Emperor Naruhito of Japan celebrates his 66th birthday, an occasion noted for a public greeting event at the Imperial Palace. This year, the first of three public audience sessions is set to occur at 10:20 AM, followed by others at 11:00 AM and 11:40 AM. The palace gates will open at 9:30 AM, and security checks will be implemented for attendees. This birthday also coincides with notable memorial journeys undertaken by the Emperor and Empress over the past year, commemorating key historical events such as the end of World War II.
Throughout the year, the emperor and empress engaged in several significant visits to sites directly related to Japan's wartime history. They visited Iwo Jima in April to honor the memory of those who lost their lives during the battle there, laying flowers at memorials. In June, they traveled to Okinawa, where the empress participated in her first visit, discussing experiences of the Okinawa War with veterans. They also visited Hiroshima, marking their first trip there since taking the throne, paying respects to the victims of the atomic bombing, and meeting with disaster survivors.
Further demonstrating their commitment to remembering Japan's historical events, the imperial couple traveled to Mongolia in July, making history as the first reigning emperor to visit inland Asia. They honored Japanese casualties at a memorial and engaged in local cultural events. They also made notable appearances at several national events throughout the year, including the National Sports Festival and the National Rich Ocean Creation Summit. These journeys signify not only a dedication to recollecting the past but also a significance in fostering national unity and awareness about Japan's history among the public.
