Akihito greets President Wulff at the Imperial Palace

24-Oct-2011: Yesterday, Emperor Akihito welcomed German President Christian Wulff to a luncheon at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

Pictures: Reuters, Getty

Japanese Imperial Familys Imperial Autumn Party

13-Oct-2011:Emperor Akihito, Empress Michiko, Crown Prince Naruhito, Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko greeted guests during the imperial autumn party at the Akasaka Imperial Garden in Tokyo.

Pictures: Getty, Reuters

Emperor Akihito Declares the Opening of Parliament

13-Sep-2011: Emperor Akihito opened the extraordinary session of parliament in Tokyo, Japan.

Pictures: Reuters

Inauguration of Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda

02-Sep-2011: Emperor Akihito inaugurated the new Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda was joined by his new cabinet members at the ceremony.

Photo: Getty

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko attend WWII Memorial Service

15-Aug-2011: Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko attended the WWII Memorial Service for those that died in the war at Budokan Hall in Tokyo.
The service marked the 66th anniversary of Japan's surrender in the war.

Pictures: Reuters