"It was encouraging to see many people going to the disaster-affected areas and making efforts to help afflicted people," he said in a series of New Year's greetings, The Mainichi Shimbun reported.

Speaking to about 78,000 people from a balcony of the royal palace, the emperor added, "I hope that this will be a better year even slightly for every citizen."

He was joined on the balcony by other members of the royal family, including Empress Michiko, Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako.