Sunday, 23 December 2012

Happy Birthday Mr Akihoto

The Emperor's birthday is on 23rd December and every year it is celebrated with a public ceremony at the Imperial Palace where the gates are opened to the public. The Emperor and other members of the family appear on a palace balcony where the birthday boy gives a speech and everyone waves their flags! We decided to trot along and experience it all. Although there were a lot of people, it was very organised and we got to wave our flags and see the Imperial family.


Everyone was given a paper flag to wave.


Neil looking slightly incongruous as the English 'gent' with his Japanese flags.


As the Imperial family came out onto the balcony, everyone waved their flags in a civilised manner.


The Emperor kept his speech short and sweet.

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