Emperor Naruhito celebrated his 66th birthday on the 23rd, participating in a traditional public audience at the Imperial Palace. Accompanied by Empress Masako, their daughter Aiko, and the Akishino family including Princess Kiko and their son Hisahito, he greeted crowds of well-wishers from the balcony of the Chowa Grand Hall. The public audience took place in three sessions during the morning, allowing thousands to come and express their congratulations.

During this engagement, the Emperor shared smiles and waves with the approximately 80,000 people who gathered to celebrate this occasion. Such public appearances are significant in Japan’s imperial tradition, symbolizing the Emperor's connection to the people while reinforcing the monarchy's role as a spiritual support for the nation. It also highlights the ongoing importance of the imperial family in Japan's cultural identity.

In the days leading up to his birthday, the Emperor had expressed hopes for a peaceful and fruitful year ahead, emphasizing the importance of the happiness of the people, which aligns with the longstanding tradition of the Japanese monarchy focusing on the well-being of its citizens. Such events have a unifying effect, bringing together people from all walks of life within the framework of national celebration.