Thousands greet Japan's royal family; crown princess attends

Tokyo - Tens of thousands on Wednesday greeted Emperor Akihito and his family for the New Year by waving Japanese flags outside the Imperial Palace. The 74-year-old emperor, his wife, Michiko, 73, and other members of his family - including the emperor's daughter-in-law Crown Princess Masako, who has been battling stress-related illness for years - waved to the crowds and said he was pleased to celebrate the New Year with them. 'I wish for the happiness of people in our country and peace in the world,' he told them. The people have two opportunities per year to venture near the Imperial Palace in the heart of Tokyo: for the New Year on January 2 and the emperor's birthday on December 23. Up to 51,000 people came to the palace Wednesday, according to Kyodo news agency. © 2008 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur

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Thousands greet Japan's royal family; crown princess attends

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