Japanese Emperor Akihito (L) and Empress Michiko (R) wave to well-wishers on the balcony of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on January 2, 2017. - About 47,000 well-wishers gathered at the Imperial Palace where Emperor Akihito called for peace in his New Year's speech. (Photo by TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA / AFP) (Photo credit should read TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/AFP/Getty Images)
Japanese Emperor Akihito (C) and Empress Michiko (4th R) greet well-wishers with other members of the royal family from the balcony of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on January 2, 2016. Akihito called for peace in his New Year's greeting to more than 62,000 visitors. AFP PHOTO / KAZUHIRO NOGI / AFP / KAZUHIRO NOGI (Photo credit should read KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Images)
Japanese Emperor Akihito (C) and Empress Michiko (7th R) greet well-wishers with other members of the royal family from the balcony of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on January 2, 2016. Akihito called for peace in his New Year's greeting to more than 62,000 visitors. AFP PHOTO / KAZUHIRO NOGI / AFP / KAZUHIRO NOGI (Photo credit should read KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Images)
Japanese Emperor Akihito (2nd R) and Empress Michiko (R) greet well-wishers with Crown Prince Naruhito (2nd L) and Crown Princess Masako (L) from the balcony of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on January 2, 2016. Akihito called for peace in his New Year's greeting to more than 62,000 visitors. AFP PHOTO / KAZUHIRO NOGI / AFP / KAZUHIRO NOGI (Photo credit should read KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Images)
Japanese Emperor Akihito (L) waves to well-wishers as Empress Michiko (R) looks on during a public appearance on the balcony of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on December 23, 2016. Thousands of people came out to see the emperor as he celebrates his 83rd birthday. / AFP / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA (Photo credit should read TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/AFP/Getty Images)
