Emperor, empress greeted by well-wishers

TOKYO, Japan - Emperor Akihito (L) and Empress Michiko wave their hands to greet well-wishers, many of whom wave Japanese flags at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Jan. 2. ''I am very happy to celebrate the new year with you. I pray for peace and happiness for my country and the world,'' said the 67-year-old emperor. The Imperial Household Agency said the number of visitors -- totaling 70,870 -- rose by 13,630 from last year.