By: Yassmine ElSayed
CAIRO, Jan. 2 (SEE) - Japanese Emperor
Akihito waved today to throngs of well-wishers eager to see his final New
Year's appearance before abdicating in several months, AP reported.
"I am truly happy to celebrate the New Year with all of
you under such cloudless skies," the 85-year-old emperor told the crowd
from a balcony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
Akihito's three-decade reign is known in Japan as "Heisei,"
with the first character meaning "peace." A senior politician in the
ruling coalition said that a name for the new era will be announced on April 1.
Akihito has made annual New Year's appearances with his
wife, Empress Michiko, and other family members to wish peace for the nation.
Japanese media reported that more than 150,000 people
attended, a record under Akihito's reign. Many waited from early in the morning
and waved Japanese flags when Akihito appeared.
Akihito succeeded his father, wartime Emperor Hirohito, in
1989, and will abdicate on April 30, with his elder son, Naruhito, ascending to
the Chrysanthemum Throne.
Japan's imperial family is far more cloistered than its
Western counterparts, and Hirohito was once viewed as a god. Akihito strove to
become a more accessible emperor. He was the first in modern history to marry a
commoner, courting Michiko on the tennis courts. Both of his sons have married
commoners.
His abdication is also a rarity. He announced his desire to
step down in a video message, citing a worry about how well he could perform
his duties as his health declined.
Akihito appeared to wobble during a palace event earlier
this week to greet foreign dignitaries. Michiko reached out worriedly and held
up his arm with hers.
The public is closely watching to see how the younger and
more international couple might bring more openness to a role that holds no
political power but is widely recognized as a cultural and emotional symbol for
Japan.
Naruhito, 58, attended Oxford, speaks good English, plays
the cello and has vowed to "protect Masako."
Naruhito's younger brother and his family are also expected
to play a fairly major role. The Japanese throne is only inherited by male
heirs, and Naruhito's only child is a daughter. Prince Akishino and his young
son are next in the line of succession after Naruhito.