Japan's Emperor marked his 66th birthday on February 23, 2026, with public gatherings at the Imperial Palace. Accompanied by the Empress, Princess Aiko, and Crown Prince Akishino's family, he appeared on a balcony and expressed sympathy for victims of recent heavy snowfall. In a press conference beforehand, he reflected on approaching disaster anniversaries and future visits to affected regions.
On February 23, 2026, Japan's Emperor turned 66, marking the occasion with public appearances at the Imperial Palace. At around 10:20 a.m., he appeared on a balcony accompanied by the Empress, their daughter Princess Aiko, Crown Prince Akishino, and his family, greeting well-wishers gathered below. Addressing the crowd, the Emperor said, “Many parts of the nation were hit by heavy snowfall and severe cold this winter as well. I’d like to express my sincere sympathy to people who were involved in snow-related accidents or suffered any other damage.”
In the afternoon, he was scheduled to receive birthday greetings from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the heads of both chambers of the Diet, the judicial branch, and ambassadors to Japan.
In a press conference prior to his birthday, the Emperor reflected on the approaching 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake in March and the 10th anniversary of the Kumamoto earthquakes in April. “Even now, remembering the disasters pains my heart,” he said. He added, “I will remain close to the people, praying for the absence of disasters, sharing their joys and sorrows and listening to the voices of those in disaster-affected areas.” Informed sources indicate he plans to visit Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima prefectures this spring and Kumamoto Prefecture this autumn to inspect reconstruction progress. “Along with [Empress] Masako, I will continue to keep the disaster-affected areas in my heart,” the Emperor stated.
Last year, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the Imperial couple and Princess Aiko traveled across the country to honor the war dead and engage with survivors, bereaved families, and storytellers. “Each memory shared with us remains deeply etched in our hearts,” the Emperor noted. “It is vital to learn humbly from past history, deeply reflect on it, and consider and strive for what is necessary to safeguard peace.”
The Emperor reiterated that the Imperial family exists to “constantly wish for the happiness of the people and share their joys and sorrows.” He added, “It is important to accurately sense the winds of the times and consider the appropriate form of official duties for each era.” He expressed gratitude for the Empress's support in daily life and duties. Regarding Princess Aiko, who last year made her first official foreign visit to Laos, he hopes she will “grow through many experiences and faithfully fulfill her duties as a member of the Imperial Family.” “I feel fortunate to spend each day feeling our mutual gratitude and the bonds of our family,” he said.
The Emperor also shared that he recently watched the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics on television with his family. “I was also very pleased to see the achievements of Japanese athletes,” he added.
