The biggest crowds of his nearly three-decade reign thronged Japan's Imperial Palace on Friday to celebrate Emperor Akihito's 83rd birthday on what could be his last such appearance after expressing his desire to abdicate.
It was his first birthday since he announced in August that his advancing age and weakening health mean he may no longer be able to carry out his duties, setting the stage for Japan to prepare for an historic abdication.
The Imperial Palace said some 33,300 people -- the biggest crowd since Akihito ascended to the throne in 1989 -- attended his birthday address, waving small Japanese flags as crowds shouted "Banzai" or "Long live".
Deliberations over his retirement wish are under way in an advisory panel set up by Prime Minster Shinzo Abe in September to study a possible legal mechanism for a royal departure, which currently does not exist.
Any eventual move by Akihito to step down, which would see him replaced by his eldest son Crown Prince Naruhito, appears to have wide support, according to recent opinion polls.
Speculation about Akihito's future emerged earlier this year with reports he had told confidantes that he would like to step down in a few years, in what would be the first abdication from the Chrysanthemum Throne in two centuries.
He has keenly embraced the role of symbol of the state imposed after World War II ended. Previous emperors including his father, Hirohito, had been treated as semi-divine.
Japanese Emperor Akihito waves to well-wishers as Empress Michiko looks on during a public appearance on the balcony of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Friday.
Emperor Akihito waves to well-wishers as he celebrates his 83rd birthday in Tokyo on Friday
Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko are seen with Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako
The Japanese royal family makes a public appearance on the balcony of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo
Well-wishers wave Japanese national flags outside the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Friday
People raise their hands as they shout \'banzai\', or cheer, in Tokyo on Friday
Well-wishers carrying flags are led by Imperial Guard officers as they celebrate the occasion
A well-wisher waves a Japanese national flag as Emperor Akihito celebrates his birthday
Princess Mako (left) and Princess Kako, daughters of Prince Akishino, appear before well-wishers
Emperor Akihito poses for a photo with Empress Michiko at the Imperial Palace earlier this month
Emperor Akihito poses for a photo with Empress Michiko at a garden of the Imperial Palace