Japan's Emperor Akihito (4th L), together with the royal family, waves
to well-wishers during a New Year celebration at the Imperial Palace in
Tokyo January 2, 2003. Emperor Akihito was diagnosed with prostate
cancer during a recent medical checkup, the Imperial Household Agency
said December 28, 2002. The Japanese royal family appears in public at
the palace twice a year. From left to right, Princess Nori, Crown
Princess Masako, Crown Prince Naruhito, Emperor Akihito, Empress
Michiko, Prince Akishino, Prince and Princess Hitachi. REUTERS/Issei
Kato

IK/RCS