TOKYO, JAPAN - JANUARY 02: Emperor Akihito (L) speaks to well-wishers next to Empress Michiko during the celebration for the New Year on the veranda of the Imperial Palace on January 2, 2015 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Ken Ishii/Getty Images)
TOKYO, JAPAN - JANUARY 02: Emperor Akihito (L) speaks to well-wishers next to Empress Michiko during the celebration for the New Year on the veranda of the Imperial Palace on January 2, 2015 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Ken Ishii/Getty Images)