Emperor, family greet flag-waving crowd at palace for New Year

I bet they gave out the flags free to everyone for waving

Why do they have to wave behind " bullet proof" glass?

The British royals manage to wave majestically from an open balcony.

Formal, dignity, an event for Emperor Naruhito and his family to welcome in the new year in front of a large crown of flag waving well wishers.

Just as much also for the Imperial Palace PR to secure the full attention of the J main stream media.

For the younger family members ....

“Right now, I'm standing behind the glass, and I guess that's a metaphor for how my life will be going forward.”

The glass is plate not bulletproof.

The glass is plate not bulletproof..

Just need a barrier from the unwashed?

@Richard Jordan--you are correct that the flags are normally handed out as souvenirs. I still have one that I acquired in a similar situation. So I deduce these folks did not raid the mini-flags on sticks store during nenmatsu.

These are better photos of the Emperor and Empress than the many where Masako is towering over Naru. Starting out the New Year with, or portraying at least, some more vitality and confidence.

A reminder about those you have and those you have not.

I went there 5 years ago,

I recommend the experience to everyone.

gary

Why do they have to wave behind " bullet proof" glass?

Regrettably, it is the way the world is moving. The glass is a little bit more protection for Japan's Head of State.

Japan sadly has several enemies in the region - China, Russia, North Korea - all of whom have many operatives within Japan. Some are likely emboldened by the recent attempts on Trump, and the assassination of Abe.

The young female family members need to play a vital role.

Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako daughter Princess Aiko, Princess Kako of Akishino need a permanent leading role focused on inspiring 18 to 30 years to actively raise expectation.

The line of succession needs to include a recognized female presence.

There cannot continue to be tolerated that one year Princess Aiko, Princess Kako unquestioning duty on display behind a glass balcony, only on matrimony waved away, to be told, "off you trot."

Fighto!

Japan sadly has several enemies in the region - China, Russia, North Korea - all of whom have many operatives within Japan. Some are likely emboldened by the recent attempts on Trump, and the assassination of Abe.

You forgot to add Ukraine to this list. The number of terrorist acts committed under the authority of the Security Council of Ukraine has been off the charts in recent years! The time will come and you will regret allowing them to spread all over the world.

Wow. Great Family Photo.

The glass is plate not bulletproof.

They absolutely are bullet-proof.

Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Michiko retired; so why are they still showing up for duty!? Let Naruhito and Masako take over ffs.

The glass is plate not bulletproof.

They absolutely are bullet-proof.

How would you even know? A bulletproof glass that size would be costly, so I doubt it has it's unnecessary.

How would you even know?

After the assassination of Abe, the Japanese government and SDF took the precaution of better protecting their leaders.

Following the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Japan has implemented several measures to enhance the security of its political leaders:

Revamping VIP Protection Protocols: The National Police Agency (NPA) announced plans to overhaul VIP protection rules and expand training for security personnel. Starting August 26, 2022, the NPA began reviewing all VIP protection plans from prefectural police, providing guidance for necessary improvements. Additionally, the NPA extended its cyber patrol unit to monitor social media for potential threats against VIPs, enabling early countermeasures.

Leadership Changes in Security Agencies: In the wake of the incident, several high-ranking officials resigned to take responsibility for security lapses, including bomb sniffing dogs, safety and bulletproof glass, profiling suspicious people and or activities. On August 25, 2022, Itaru Nakamura, Commissioner General of the NPA, along with the chief of the Nara Prefectural Police, Tomoaki Onizuka, and the director general of the NPA’s Security Bureau, Kenichi Sakurazawa, announced their resignations.

Enhanced Security Measures for Political Campaigns: In response to the assassination, there was an immediate increase in security for political candidates. Campaigning activities, which had been temporarily halted, resumed with heightened security protocols to ensure the safety of politicians during public appearances.

Increased Awareness of Lone-Wolf Attacks: The assassination underscored the challenges of protecting public figures from unexpected, lone-wolf attacks. This has led to a reassessment of security strategies to better anticipate and mitigate such threats in the future.

These steps reflect Japan’s commitment to strengthening the protection of its leaders and preventing similar incidents in the future.

A bulletproof glass that size would be costly,

Absolutely

so I doubt it has it's unnecessary.

You don’t, but it’s not about what you think but the Japanese think and they do love their emperor.

I bet they gave out the flags free to everyone for waving

Correct. And the "they" passing out flags in this case were members of the Japan Boy Scouts.