Japanese Emperor Celebrates 80th Birthday

Japan's Emperor Akihito waves to well-wishers who gathered to celebrate his 80th birthday at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Dec. 23, 2013. 

Japan's Emperor Akihito, accompanied by his wife Empress Michiko, and their family members, wave at well-wishers as they appear on the balcony of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan, Dec. 23, 2013.

Well-wishers cross a bridge outside the Imperial Palace as they make their way to celebrate Emperor Akihito's 80th birthday in Tokyo, Dec. 23, 2013. 

Japan's Crown Prince Naruhito, Emperor Akihito, Crown Princess Masako and Empress Michiko stand in front of well-wishers at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Dec. 23, 2013. 

Japan's Crown Princess Masako waves to well-wishers who gathered to celebrate Japan's Emperor Akihito's 80th birthday at the Imperial Palace, Tokyo, Dec. 23, 2013. 

Well-wishers wave Japanese national flags to celebrate Japan's Emperor Akihito's 80th birthday at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Dec. 23, 2013.