Japan's Emperor Naruhito will greet the public on his birthday next year for the first time since ascending the throne in 2019.

The Imperial Household Agency says the Emperor and Empress Masako will appear on the balcony of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo three times in the morning of February 23.

Those who want to enter the palace grounds to view the events should send applications to the agency online or by post. Applicants must be 18 years or older, and up to two people will be invited per application.

The application deadline is January 6. The agency says the number of visitors will be limited to about 1,500 at a time and lotteries will be held if applications surpass the cap.

This will be the first time in five years for Japan's Emperor to greet the public on his birthday.

Sources say the Emperor and Empress will be joined by their daughter, Princess Aiko, as well as Crown Prince and Princess Akishino and their second daughter, Princess Kako, on the balcony.

A special space will also be set up just outside the Imperial Household Agency's building at the palace in the afternoon of the Emperor's birthday to allow well-wishers to sign books of celebration. No applications are needed to sign the books.