Japanese Emperor Akihito turned 79 on Sunday, reassuring thousands of well-wishers he has regained his health since heart by-pass surgery, and remembering those affected by the quake-tsunami disaster.
The softly-spoken monarch gave his birthday address from a glass-covered balcony at the Imperial Palace overlooking the East Garden, as crowds braved the bitter cold, waving small Japanese flags.
The softly-spoken monarch gave his birthday address from a glass-covered balcony at the Imperial Palace overlooking the East Garden, as crowds braved the bitter cold, waving small Japanese flags.