Yesterday happened to be the birthday of the Emperor of Japan (天皇誕生日: てんのうたんじょうび, birthday of the Emperor) and that’s why we didn’t have to work around here. However today and tomorrow we have to go to work, there’s no Xmas holidays in Japan.
One of the Emperor’s birthday traditions is that the “common people” is allowed to see him. The royal family gathers behind big windows specially prepared for the occasion at the Imperial Palace, and groups of people take turns to see the Emperor and his family. Each turn takes 3 minutes, the imperial family waves with their hand and smiles, and the people that go to see them wave small Japan flags.
2 replies on “The Emperor's Birthday”
That’s a very interesting tradition and even as a foreigner I would feel honored to be there. I think it’s a great way to maintain the prestige of Japan’s royal family.
Also, I love the outfit the lady all the way to the left is wearing. It’s so classy!
I think it is odd that they are behind that glass and basically stand there to be seen. I think the English royal family at least are out in the open on an open balcony.