December 23 is a national holiday in Japan. It's the current Emperor's birthday and on that day he give a public speech from a balcony of the Imperial Palace. Normally the area is off-limits to the general public save for specially arranged tours.
Only on December 23 and January 2 can people enter the grounds of the Imperial Palace and listen to the Emperor give a public address.
Read more »The Japanese trace the lineage of their emperors back for over 2,000 years. Today the Japanese people celebrate the birth anniversary of Emperor Akihito who was born on December 23, 1933, and acceded to the throne in 1989. Called Tenno No Tanjobi, the date of the national holiday changes as each new emperor takes power in Japan.
Read more »Lit up after dark, it has captivated and inspired millions—a slender beacon of diffused orange rising 333 meters from the center of the metropolis. With couples coming up close to gaze and pilots steering clear of its tapering steel frame, Tokyo Tower indeed rules the night.
The world's oldest man celebrated his 113th birthday on Thursday, telling reporters at his home in southern Japan about his joyful life and healthy appetite. "I'm happy," said Tomoji Tanabe as the local mayor presented him with flowers and a giant tea cup glazed with his name and date of birth. "I'm well. I eat a lot," he added.
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