As the car slipped by, for a few brief moments, we could see Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko ... Instead there must have been 5,000 or more. Some were dabbing away tears as the crowds began ...

This year, Akihito has been particularly concerned about people who were affected by a fatal New Year earthquake and heavy rains in autumn in Japan's northcentral region of Noto, the IHA said.

This year, Akihito has been particularly concerned about people who were affected by a fatal New Year earthquake and heavy rains in autumn in Japan’s northcentral region of Noto, the IHA said.