Japan's new Emperor Naruhito greeted the public on Saturday for the first time since he ascended the Chrysanthemum throne earlier this week.
The 59-year-old emperor and his wife, Empress Masako, as well as his younger brother and wife and children, waved from a balcony in the Imperial Palace.
In a speech, he wished for Japan and other countries ‘to pursue world peace.’ The comments echoed an address he made following an official ceremony on Wednesday, marking the formal start of a new imperial era, named ‘Reiwa.’
Naruhito became emperor a day after his father Akihito renounced the throne, ending a 30-year reign. It marked Japan's first abdication in 202 years.
The balcony appearance - one of six scheduled for Saturday - represents a rare occasion for the public to come close to the Imperial Palace.