Japan's Emperor Naruhito has extended New Year greetings to members of the public at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo for the first time in three years.

To prevent the spread of the coronavirus, only about 9,600 people were allowed into the palace grounds to attend the event on Monday. They had been chosen by lottery.

The Emperor and Empress Masako appeared on the palace balcony six times and waved at well-wishers. They were joined by Crown Prince and Princess Akishino and other members of the Imperial family.

The daughter of the Emperor and Empress, Princess Aiko, also took part in the event for the first time as an adult member of the family.

The Emperor said many people have had difficulties in the past three years due to the pandemic and other factors. He said he is truly pleased to celebrate the New Year with the public, and that he is praying for the happiness of people in Japan and the world.

A dedicated space has been set up just outside the Imperial Household Agency's building at the palace to allow visitors to sign books of celebration. More than 5,300 people visited the site and signed on Monday.