Japanese Emperor addresses nation on 83rd birthday
Japan's Emperor Akihito, who turned 83 on Friday, addressed a crowd of nearly 33,000 people, reportedly the biggest such gathering since Akihito ascended to the throne in 1989. He thanked the people for their concern and effort to accommodate his wish to abdicate. He greeted thousands of well-wishers from the palace balcony, along with other members of the royal family.