Emperor greets New Year's well-wishers; says he shares their pain

The emperor is a nice chap.

I agree, nice chap. Have to watch your affricates when you say it though

Good health to him. I do find it amusing how the Japanese "royals" imitate the genteel waving to the public of the British "royals"! I wonder at what point in their history they started doing this? You know, the small, token wave where the hand barely moves...

A Happy New Year to Their Majesties as well! Long life and good health!

I wonder at what point in their history they started doing this? You know, the small, token wave where the hand barely moves...

Oxford might have something to do with it...

I hope for a better year for all those affected by the 3/11 disasters.

^O^ love them both! HAPPY NEW YEAR JAPAN! DO YOUR BEST IN 2012!!!

He shares the pain. He is used to living in a toxic environment every day.

Hee hee Nessie, well said!

But I also like these two - they have a lovely gentleness and warmth about them, and in particular the empresses eyes are always sparkling. I get irritated by the privilege and luzury that the taxpayers keep Royals in around the world but I CAN see the benefit and comfort that so many people get from them, and that can never be a bad thing.

The Japanese royals or at least these two, come across as more humble and just more approachable that their counterparts around the world.

2011 was a very difficult year for Japan. Let's hope that 2012 will be a much better year.

I was there yesterday and it was so crowded. The emperor and emperess were so elegant and they took the time to wave to everyone in the crowd. I overheard a lady who said she had tears in her eyes. Their presence still invokes a lot of passion in japanese people. I wish for their good health in 2012.

Would love to see them offer to build a lot of temporary housing on their property in Tokyo.

Nice job "connecting" with the people behind your bullet-proof balcony.

Yes, I concur with MaboSpicy - offer temporary housing as well as limitless yen is definitely needed. Words are great but actions are even more great. if i was royal - I would give more time than (pr campaign) a 30 minute press conference. I would dedicate my time to make sure that community can repair itself.