New Year`s ceremony held at Imperial Palace

TOKYO, Jan. 1 Kyodo -
Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko received New Year's greetings from other
imperial family members and state dignitaries Thursday at the Imperial Palace
in Tokyo.
Among the well-wishers were Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako,
Prince Akishino and his wife Princess Kiko, Prime Minister Taro Aso and other
Cabinet ministers, and the chief justice of the Supreme Court.
''At the beginning of the year, I pray for the development of the nation and
the happiness of the people,'' the emperor told the greeting guests.
In the afternoon, ambassadors from numerous countries and their spouses greeted
the emperor, empress and other imperial family members at the palace.
The Imperial Household Agency said it has simplified some of the New Year's
rituals undertaken by the emperor in the palace, such as by allowing him to
offer early morning prayers in a cutaway coat instead of an ancient-style
outfit, as part of efforts to reduce his workload.
The 75-year-old emperor had to cancel some of his official duties in December
due to an irregular pulse, and subsequent health checks found traces of
bleeding and erosion in his stomach and duodenum.
==Kyodo