Today is a Japanese Holiday. Since the holiday falls on Sunday this year (2025), Sunday holiday is observed on Monday.
About His Majesty
His Majesty the Emperor Naruhito turns 65 years old this year. His Majesty is 126th Emperor and is the Eldest Son of His Majesty the Emperor Emeritus.
After graduating from Gakushuin University in Tokyo, studied at Merton College, University of Oxford, UK.
His Majesty is married to Her Majesty the Empress Masako, who was a diplomat and has a daughter Princess Aiko. The Imperial Family live in the Imperial Palace.
Emperor Naruhihito has a younger brother, Crown Prince Akishino. Their Majesties Emepror Emeretius, Crown Prince Akishino and other imperial family live in Akasaka Estate.
Events on Emperor’s Birthday at Imperial Palace
In the morning of His Majesty’s Birthday, many people go to the Imperial Palace. Imperial Palace is generally not open to public but it is open twice a year- on New Year’s on Jan 2 and Emperor’s Birthday on Feb 23. His Majesty appears on the balcony 3 times in the morning to greet. People are allowed to enter their names in a congratulatory book in front of the Imperial Household Agency building in the afternoon.
According to the Imperial Household Agency, 23 thousand people, including those who signed the book, visited the palace today.
In the afternoon, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako dined with other Imperial Family members, the legislative, administrative and judicial heads of Japan, and others in the Emperor’s birthday banquet ceremony at the Imperial Palace. It is the first time in five years that banquet ceremony was held. The ceremony was not held between 2021 and 2024 because of the COVID.
After the Luncheoon, Emperor Naruhito received congratulations from foreign ambassadors to Japan at the Imperial Palace at Tea Ceremony.
It is reported that their Majesties visited the residence of Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko, in Akasaka Palace to greet them.
Other Events
Tencho Sai (Festival)
Tenchosai is held at Ise Jingu Shrine and other shrines throughout Japan.
This Shinto ritual prays for the Emperor’s long life and national prosperity. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlZGRBYr2p0 https://x.com/KASUGASHRINE/status/1893484226672238718 https://x.com/kashihara_jingu/status/1893498143716556865
Maritime Self-Defense Force Full Dressing
On the Emperor’s Birthday, naval vessels of the Maritime Self-Defense Force display a decoration called Mankanshoku or Full dressing of MSDF vessels. It is done by hoisting the flag of the MSDF and/or signal flags on MSDF ships and held for expressing good wishes and congratulations on the Emperor’s Birthday. It is held from 8 am to sunset. https://x.com/JMSDF_PAO/status/1628650866969350149
Celebrations at Japanese Embassies and Consulates Abroad
Japanese embassies and consulates hold reception to celebrate the Emperor’s birthday. Local government officials and the Japanese community often participate in such celebrations.
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