Emperor's Birthday Photos

Well, we got downtown, and the weather was fine. The palace grounds are really beautiful. Lots of people were running through the park area even though it was crowded with well wishers. It's probably a great place to exercise or just take a walk on a nice day. The part of the castle that is open for the birthday celebration is not open the rest of the year except tomorrow (New Year's Day), however.

First, we entered from Sakuradamon station on the west side of the grounds. Boy and girl scouts were waiting to give us paper Japanese flags to wave. After that, we got in the queue to be scanned and searched by security. It looked like every cop in Japan was out that day, and they appeared to have deployed the best looking female police to the front lines, I must say.

Then, on through the gates with the masses:

Lots of press was waiting for the big moment:

And after 20 minutes of patient waiting, the crowd goes wild as the royal family appears in their little bullet-proof box:

The Emperor spoke for about 5 minutes wishing everyone well and thanking us for coming to celebrate his 76th birthday. Then, we all had to leave so the next crowd could come in. He was scheduled to make 3 appearances that day.


Security was patrolling the moat, as well. Just a beautiful place, though.


And, of course, the Right Wing Nutter fan club was on hand to play their nationalistic music over the speakers in their custom vans.

Apparently, they have palace guards similar to Buckingham. These guys stare straight ahead and do not move or talk. I think they need some big furry hats to complete the ensemble, however. Not quite impressive. Just sort of creepy.

All in all, a fun day in a beautiful part of Japan, right in the heart of Tokyo. I would go again.

Happy Birthday

So, we're headed down to Tokyo to wish the Emperor a happy birthday tomorrow.

In Japan, the Emperor's birthday is always a National Holiday that moves around with each different Emperor over time. There are only two times a year when the general public can go to his Imperial Palace Grounds in Tokyo to view him and his royal family; his birthday and New Year's Day. The current Emperor's birthday happens to be the 23rd, so it's two times in two weeks during his reign.

It sort of reminds me of Groundhog Day in the U.S. Perhaps it's irreverent, but if you've seen photos of the Emperor, it's like he's a little groundhog guy who comes out of his palace to wave for a few minutes to his adoring masses, then goes back inside until next year. Probably not something I'd go and do every year like the Nationalist black van driving wing-nuts, but something I figure a cat ought to do at least once. They hand out little Japanese flags and everyone goes crazy waving them and yelling greetings to the royal family. There is also a guest book which "will be duly forwarded to its highest destination as the expression of your warm congratulations". I guess you can also leave a business card, so maybe I'll do that. He'll probably give me a call to say thanks later. Right.

In any case, we'll see if we can get a few photos that aren't too crappy and far away to post.