With shouts of “Banzai!,” Japanese celebrated the birth Wednesday of the imperial family’s first male heir since the 1960s, a development that squelched hopes of reform to allow women on the throne.

Thousands gathered at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo as Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako greeted them for the new year.

Emperor Naruhito ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne on Tuesday, proclaiming himself Japan's 126th emperor as the audience shouted "banzai" to wish him a long reign.Oct ...

Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and his family greeted crowds at Tokyo’s Imperial Palace on New Year’s Day, waving to well-wishers ...