New Year greeting event at Japan's Imperial Palace

New Year greeting event at Japan's Imperial Palace

People cross a bridge at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Jan. 2, 2026, for a New Year greeting event at which Japanese Emperor Naruhito and other imperial family members will appear on the palace's balcony.

Trump in Japan

Trump in Japan

A motorcade carrying U.S. President Donald Trump enters the Imperial Palace's main gate in Tokyo on Oct. 27, 2025, for a meeting with Japan's Emperor Naruhito.

Trump in Japan

Trump in Japan

A vehicle carrying U.S. President Donald Trump enters the Imperial Palace's main gate in Tokyo on Oct. 27, 2025, for a meeting with Japan's Emperor Naruhito.

A Community Shield - Crystal Palace v Liverpool - London

A Community Shield - Crystal Palace v Liverpool - London

Crystal Palace's Will Hughes (L) challenges for a header with Liverpool's Florian Wirtz during the FA Community Shield final match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool in London, Britain, on Aug. 10, 2025. London, UK. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

A Community Shield - Crystal Palace v Liverpool - London

A Community Shield - Crystal Palace v Liverpool - London

Crystal Palace's captain Marc Guehi lifts the trophy after the FA Community Shield final match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool in London, Britain, on Aug. 10, 2025. London, UK. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

A Community Shield - Crystal Palace v Liverpool - London

A Community Shield - Crystal Palace v Liverpool - London

Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta scores an equalizing goal from a penalty kick during the FA Community Shield final match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool in London, Britain, on Aug. 10, 2025. London, UK. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

A Community Shield - Crystal Palace v Liverpool - London

A Community Shield - Crystal Palace v Liverpool - London

Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze celebrates with the trophy after the FA Community Shield final match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool in London, Britain, on Aug. 10, 2025. London, UK. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

A Community Shield - Crystal Palace v Liverpool - London

A Community Shield - Crystal Palace v Liverpool - London

Crystal Palace's goalkeeper Dean Henderson celebrates with the trophy after the FA Community Shield final match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool in London, Britain, on Aug. 10, 2025. London, UK. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

A Community Shield - Crystal Palace v Liverpool - London

A Community Shield - Crystal Palace v Liverpool - London

Crystal Palace's Tyrick Mitchell (front R) sees his shot saved during the FA Community Shield final match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool in London, Britain, on Aug. 10, 2025. London, UK. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

A Community Shield - Crystal Palace v Liverpool - London

A Community Shield - Crystal Palace v Liverpool - London

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah (L) challenges for a header with Crystal Palace's captain Marc Guehi during the FA Community Shield final match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool in London, Britain, on Aug. 10, 2025. London, UK. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

A Community Shield - Crystal Palace v Liverpool - London

A Community Shield - Crystal Palace v Liverpool - London

Crystal Palace's manager Oliver Glasner lifts the trophy after the FA Community Shield final match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool in London, Britain, on Aug. 10, 2025. London, UK. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Paris 2024

Illustration - Paris 2024

FRANCE. PARIS (75) 1 ST ARRONDISSEMENT)PARIS 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES. 2024/08/10: THE MARATHON FOR ALL. HERE, QUAI DES TUILERIES. BEHIND THE RUNNERS: THE LOUVRE PALACE'S PAVILION DE FLORE Photo by Jean-Francois/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

Football: FA Cup

Football: FA Cup

Crystal Palace's Daichi Kamada (C) raises the trophy after the team won English football's FA Cup for the first time with a 1-0 victory over Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in London on May 17, 2025.

Football: FA Cup

Football: FA Cup

Crystal Palace's Daichi Kamada (C) raises the trophy after the team won English football's FA Cup for the first time with a 1-0 victory over Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in London on May 17, 2025.

Arrivals for the Summit on AI at the Elysee Palace in Paris - FA

Arrivals for the Summit on AI at the Elysee Palace in Paris - FA

This photograph shows the logo of the Action Summit on Artificial Intelligence at the Elysee Palace’s front door in Paris, on February 10, 2025. Photo by Firas Abdullah/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arrivals for the Summit on AI at the Elysee Palace in Paris - FA

Arrivals for the Summit on AI at the Elysee Palace in Paris - FA

This photograph shows the logo of the Action Summit on Artificial Intelligence at the Elysee Palace’s front door in Paris, on February 10, 2025. Photo by Firas Abdullah/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arrivals for the Summit on AI at the Elysee Palace in Paris - FA

Arrivals for the Summit on AI at the Elysee Palace in Paris - FA

This photograph shows the logo of the Action Summit on Artificial Intelligence at the Elysee Palace’s front door in Paris, on February 10, 2025. Photo by Firas Abdullah/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arrivals for the Summit on AI at the Elysee Palace in Paris - FA

Arrivals for the Summit on AI at the Elysee Palace in Paris - FA

This photograph shows the logo of the Action Summit on Artificial Intelligence at the Elysee Palace’s front door in Paris, on February 10, 2025. Photo by Firas Abdullah/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arrivals for the Summit on AI at the Elysee Palace in Paris - FA

Arrivals for the Summit on AI at the Elysee Palace in Paris - FA

This photograph shows the logo of the Action Summit on Artificial Intelligence at the Elysee Palace’s front door in Paris, on February 10, 2025. Photo by Firas Abdullah/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arrivals for the Summit on AI at the Elysee Palace in Paris - FA

Arrivals for the Summit on AI at the Elysee Palace in Paris - FA

This photograph shows the logo of the Action Summit on Artificial Intelligence at the Elysee Palace’s front door in Paris, on February 10, 2025. Photo by Firas Abdullah/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arrivals for the Summit on AI at the Elysee Palace in Paris - FA

Arrivals for the Summit on AI at the Elysee Palace in Paris - FA

This photograph shows the logo of the Action Summit on Artificial Intelligence at the Elysee Palace’s front door in Paris, on February 10, 2025. Photo by Firas Abdullah/ABACAPRESS.COM

New Year greeting event at Japan's Imperial Palace

New Year greeting event at Japan's Imperial Palace

People cross a bridge at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Jan. 2, 2025, for a New Year greeting event at which Japanese Emperor Naruhito and other imperial family members will appear on the palace's balcony.

New Year greeting event at Japan's Imperial Palace

New Year greeting event at Japan's Imperial Palace

People cross a bridge at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Jan. 2, 2025, for a New Year greeting event at which Japanese Emperor Naruhito and other imperial family members will appear on the palace's balcony.

Dutch Royal Palace in Amsterdam unveils rare exhibition on its roof artworks

STORY: Dutch Royal Palace in Amsterdam unveils rare exhibition on its roof artworks SHOOTING TIME: June 26, 2024 DATELINE: June 27, 2024 LENGTH: 0:01:45 LOCATION: Amsterdam CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of the press preview of the exhibition STORYLINE: The Royal Palace in Amsterdam held a press preview on Wednesday for an exhibition, inviting visitors to discover the rich history and architectural splendor of the palace's roof. This special exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to take a closer look at the artworks that are normally on the roof of the palace. The artworks include the weather vane, the bronze statue of Prudentia, the copper imperial crown that has been removed from the roof for the first time since it was placed there in the 17th century, and 24 original bells from the palace carillon. The artworks on the roof showcase both the history of Amsterdam and the craftsmanship of the 17th century. The exhibition will be open to the public from June 29 to September 22. Xinhua New

Türkiye's iconic palace updates Chinese porcelain exhibition after renovation

STORY: Türkiye's iconic palace updates Chinese porcelain exhibition after renovation SHOOTING TIME: May 4, 2024 DATELINE: May 5, 2024 LENGTH: 00:02:00 LOCATION: ISTANBUL, Türkiye CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of Topkapi Palace Museum in Istanbul, Türkiye 2. various of the exhibition 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Turkish): ILHAN KOCAMAN, Head of the Topkapi Palace Department of the Directorate of National Palaces 4. various of Chinese porcelain on display at the Topkapi Palace Museum 5. SOUNDBITE 2 (Turkish): ILHAN KOCAMAN, Head of the Topkapi Palace Department of the Directorate of National Palaces 6. various of the exhibition STORYLINE: Topkapi Palace Museum in Türkiye's Istanbul, once the residence of the Ottoman sultans, is now displaying additional pieces from its extensive collection of Chinese porcelain following a monumental restoration process. The three-year restoration prioritized three of the palace's eight kitchens, especially those originally designated for the sultans and their mothers, as wel

(SP)BRITAIN-MANCHESTER-FOOTBALL-ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE-MANCHESTER CITY VS CRYSTAL PALACE

(SP)BRITAIN-MANCHESTER-FOOTBALL-ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE-MANCHESTER CITY VS CRYSTAL PALACE

(231217) -- MANCHESTER, Dec. 17, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Crystal Palace's Michael Olise (3rd R) celebrates after scoring the second goal from a penalty kick during the English Premier League match between Manchester City and Crystal Palace in Manchester, Britain, on Dec. 16, 2023. (Xinhua) FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR "LIVE" SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS.

(SP)BRITAIN-MANCHESTER-FOOTBALL-ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE-MANCHESTER CITY VS CRYSTAL PALACE

(SP)BRITAIN-MANCHESTER-FOOTBALL-ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE-MANCHESTER CITY VS CRYSTAL PALACE

(231217) -- MANCHESTER, Dec. 17, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Crystal Palace's head coach Roy Hodgson is seen before the English Premier League match between Manchester City and Crystal Palace in Manchester, Britain, on Dec. 16, 2023. (Xinhua) FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR "LIVE" SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS.

(SP)BRITAIN-MANCHESTER-FOOTBALL-ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE-MANCHESTER CITY VS CRYSTAL PALACE

(SP)BRITAIN-MANCHESTER-FOOTBALL-ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE-MANCHESTER CITY VS CRYSTAL PALACE

(231217) -- MANCHESTER, Dec. 17, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Manchester City's Ruben Dias (center, top) is challenged by Crystal Palace's Joel Ward (center, down) during the English Premier League match between Manchester City and Crystal Palace in Manchester, Britain, on Dec. 16, 2023. (Xinhua) FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR "LIVE" SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS.

(SP)BRITAIN-MANCHESTER-FOOTBALL-ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE-MANCHESTER CITY VS CRYSTAL PALACE

(SP)BRITAIN-MANCHESTER-FOOTBALL-ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE-MANCHESTER CITY VS CRYSTAL PALACE

(231217) -- MANCHESTER, Dec. 17, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta (L) celebrates with his teammate Tyrick Mitchell after scoring his side's first goal during the English Premier League match between Manchester City and Crystal Palace in Manchester, Britain, on Dec. 16, 2023. (Xinhua) FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR "LIVE" SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS.

(SP)BRITAIN-MANCHESTER-FOOTBALL-ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE-MANCHESTER CITY VS CRYSTAL PALACE

(SP)BRITAIN-MANCHESTER-FOOTBALL-ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE-MANCHESTER CITY VS CRYSTAL PALACE

(231217) -- MANCHESTER, Dec. 17, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Crystal Palace's Michael Olise (C) celebrates after scoring the second goal from a penalty kick during the English Premier League match between Manchester City and Crystal Palace in Manchester, Britain, on Dec. 16, 2023. (Xinhua) FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR "LIVE" SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS.

(SP)BRITAIN-MANCHESTER-FOOTBALL-ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE-MANCHESTER CITY VS CRYSTAL PALACE

(SP)BRITAIN-MANCHESTER-FOOTBALL-ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE-MANCHESTER CITY VS CRYSTAL PALACE

(231217) -- MANCHESTER, Dec. 17, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Crystal Palace's Michael Olise (L) celebrates with his teammate Matheus Franca after the English Premier League match between Manchester City and Crystal Palace in Manchester, Britain, on Dec. 16, 2023. (Xinhua) FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR "LIVE" SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS.

(SP)BRITAIN-MANCHESTER-FOOTBALL-ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE-MANCHESTER CITY VS CRYSTAL PALACE

(SP)BRITAIN-MANCHESTER-FOOTBALL-ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE-MANCHESTER CITY VS CRYSTAL PALACE

(231217) -- MANCHESTER, Dec. 17, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta reacts after scoring his side's first goal during the English Premier League match between Manchester City and Crystal Palace in Manchester, Britain, on Dec. 16, 2023. (Xinhua) FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR "LIVE" SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS.

Imperial Palace opens to public for autumn foliage

Imperial Palace opens to public for autumn foliage

People view autumn foliage on Nov. 25, 2023, on the Imperial Palace's Inui Street in Tokyo as it is opened to the general public through Dec. 3.

Imperial Palace opens to public for autumn foliage

Imperial Palace opens to public for autumn foliage

People view autumn foliage on Nov. 25, 2023, on the Imperial Palace's Inui Street in Tokyo as it is opened to the general public through Dec. 3.

SOUTH KOREA-SEOUL-GWANGHWAMUN-RESTORATION

SOUTH KOREA-SEOUL-GWANGHWAMUN-RESTORATION

(231018) -- SEOUL, Oct. 18, 2023 (Xinhua) -- A tourist poses for a photo in front of Gwanghwamun, the largest gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea, Oct. 18, 2023. Gyeongbokgung Palace's Gwanghwamun gate has opened to the public after being restored to its original state for the first time. (Xinhua/Wang Yiliang)

SOUTH KOREA-SEOUL-GWANGHWAMUN-RESTORATION

SOUTH KOREA-SEOUL-GWANGHWAMUN-RESTORATION

(231018) -- SEOUL, Oct. 18, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Tourists wearing Hanbok cross a street near Gwanghwamun, the largest gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea, Oct. 18, 2023. Gyeongbokgung Palace's Gwanghwamun gate has opened to the public after being restored to its original state for the first time. (Xinhua/Wang Yiliang)

SOUTH KOREA-SEOUL-GWANGHWAMUN-RESTORATION

SOUTH KOREA-SEOUL-GWANGHWAMUN-RESTORATION

(231018) -- SEOUL, Oct. 18, 2023 (Xinhua) -- People cross a street in front of Gwanghwamun, the largest gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea, Oct. 18, 2023. Gyeongbokgung Palace's Gwanghwamun gate has opened to the public after being restored to its original state for the first time. (Xinhua/Wang Yiliang)

SOUTH KOREA-SEOUL-GWANGHWAMUN-RESTORATION

SOUTH KOREA-SEOUL-GWANGHWAMUN-RESTORATION

(231018) -- SEOUL, Oct. 18, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Tourists visit and take photos of Gwanghwamun, the largest gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea, Oct. 18, 2023. Gyeongbokgung Palace's Gwanghwamun gate has opened to the public after being restored to its original state for the first time. (Xinhua/Wang Yiliang)

New Year greeting event at Japan's Imperial Palace

Japanese Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko wave to well-wishers from a balcony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Jan. 2, 2023. Former Emperor Akihito and former Empress Michiko can be seen on the left while Crown Prince Fumihito, Crown Princess Kiko and their second daughter Princess Kako can be seen on the right. People wave national flags at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Jan. 2, 2023, during a New Year greeting event where Japanese Emperor Naruhito and other imperial family members appear on the palace's balcony.

New Year greeting event at Japan's Imperial Palace

New Year greeting event at Japan's Imperial Palace

People wave national flags at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Jan. 2, 2023, during a New Year greeting event where Japanese Emperor Naruhito and other imperial family members appear on the palace's balcony.

Japan emperor visits imperial museum

Japan emperor visits imperial museum

TOKYO, Japan - Japanese Emperor Akihito views exhibits for the Imperial Repository of Books and Writings at the Imperial Palace's Museum of the Imperial Collections in Tokyo on Oct. 15, 2010. The exhibits included a note written in the 19th century by revolutionary Sakamoto Ryoma. (Pool Photo)

People congratulate emperor on 20th anniv.

People congratulate emperor on 20th anniv.

TOKYO, Japan - People go through the Imperial Palace's Sakashita gate in Tokyo on Nov. 12, 2009, heading for the venue where they can sign books to congratulate Emperor Akihito on the 20th anniversary of his formal accession.

Coins marking 20th anniversary of Emperor's enthronement

Coins marking 20th anniversary of Emperor's enthronement

TOKYO, Japan - Photo shows a 10,000-yen gold coin that Japan will issue later this year to mark the 20th anniversary of Emperor Akihito's enthronement. The front side of the pure-gold coin (top) depicts a phoenix and the Imperial Palace's ''Nijubashi'' double-arched bridge and the reverse side (bottom) depicts the chrysanthemum seal. A 500-yen nickel-brass coins will also be issued.

Emperor Akihito greets public on 75th birthday

Emperor Akihito greets public on 75th birthday

TOKYO, Japan - (From L to R) Crown Princess Masako, Crown Prince Naruhito, Emperor Akihito, Empress Michiko, Prince Akishino and his wife Princess Kiko wave from behind the glass windows of a balcony at the Imperial Palace's main building in Tokyo on Dec. 23 in greeting well-wishers who gathered to celebrate emperor's 75th birthday.

Emperor Akihito greets public on 75th birthday

Emperor Akihito greets public on 75th birthday

TOKYO, Japan - Emperor Akihito (2nd from R) speaks to well-wishers, who gathered at the Imperial Palace to celebrate his 75th birthday on Dec. 23, from behind the glass windows of a balcony at the palace's main building in Tokyo during his first appearance in the morning, with Empress Michiko (R), Crown Prince Naruhito (2nd from L) and his wife Crown Princess Masako (L) alongside.

Emperor Akihito greets public on 75th birthday

Emperor Akihito greets public on 75th birthday

TOKYO, Japan - Emperor Akihito (C), Crown Prince Naruhito (L) and his wife Crown Princess Masako (R) look out from a balcony at the Imperial Palace's main building in Tokyo on Dec. 23 as they prepare to greet well-wishers who gathered to celebrate the emperor's 75th birthday.

Imperial Palace's inner gardens open to the public

Imperial Palace's inner gardens open to the public

TOKYO, Japan - A group of visitors stroll through the inner gardens of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo in a guided tour for the elderly people on Sept. 13. The Imperial Household Agency opens the 25-hectare Fukiage gardens twice a year, once in May mainly for children and once around Respect for the Aged Day for people aged over 70. Ninety people visited the gardens on Sept. 13. They were chosen by lottery from among 1,900 applicants, according to palace officials. (Pool photo by Kyodo News)

Imperial Palace's inner gardens open to the public

Imperial Palace's inner gardens open to the public

TOKYO, Japan - A group of visitors stroll through the inner gardens of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo in a guided tour for the elderly people on Sept. 13. The Imperial Household Agency opens the 25-hectare Fukiage gardens twice a year, once in May mainly for children and once around Respect for the Aged Day for people aged over 70. Ninety people visited the gardens on Sept. 13. They were chosen by lottery from among 1,900 applicants, according to palace officials. (Pool photo by Kyodo News)

Emperor Akihito greets public on 74th birthday

Emperor Akihito greets public on 74th birthday

TOKYO, Japan - Emperor Akihito, accompanied by Empress Michiko, waves to well-wishers who gathered at the Imperial Palace for his 74th birthday celebration on Dec. 23. ''I thank you for coming here to congratulate me amid this rainy, cold weather...I hope the coming year will become a bright and happy one for you,'' the emperor said from the glassed-in balcony of the palace's main building.

Imperial Palace opens Fukiage area to public for 1st time

Imperial Palace opens Fukiage area to public for 1st time

TOKYO, Japan - The Imperial Household Agency organized a nature-observing event in the Imperial Palace's Fukiage woodland area on May 4, allowing the general public to walk through the area for the first time. Photo shows participants in the event observing part of the 25-hectare park, which abounds in natural beauty and has been left almost untouched for about 70 years. (Pool photo)