JAPAN’S Emperor Naruhito has greeted the public for the first time since his succession, expressing hopes that Japan will continue to pursue peace.

Naruhito ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne on Wednesday last week, a day after his 85-year-old father, Akihito, abdicated. From a balcony overlooking the Imperial Palace grounds in Tokyo, Naruhito thanked tens of thousands of well-wishers for congratulating him.

“I am deeply grateful and pleased that I am receiving celebration from you all today,” said Naruhito, wearing a formal suit and standing next to his wife, Empress Masako. “I wish for your health and happiness, and sincerely hope that our country pursues world peace hand in hand with other countries and will develop further.”

As he waved, spectators cheered and waved Japanese flags.