Japan's Emperor Akihito (C) with the royal family, waves to well-wishers from a balcony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo during annual New Year celebrations with the public January 2, 2001. The Japanese royal family appears in public at the palace twice a year. L-R; Princess Mikasa, Prince Mikasa, Princess Nori, Crown Princess Masako, Crown Prince Naruhito, Emperor Akihito, Empress Michiko, Prince and Princess Akishino, Prince and Princess Hitachi, and Prince and Princess Takamado.

KM/CP