皇居で天皇誕生日の祝賀行事　一般参賀は２年連続中止

　天皇誕生日の２３日、６１歳を迎えた天皇陛下は、皇居で皇后さまと誕生日の祝賀行事に臨まれた。新型コロナウイルスの感染拡大防止のため、規模を大幅に縮小し、一般参賀は２年連続で中止となった。
　天皇陛下は午前中、皇居・宮殿で秋篠宮ご夫妻や、三権の長らから祝賀を受けた。菅義偉首相がお祝いの言葉を述べると、陛下は「深く感謝致します。くれぐれもお体にお気を付けてお仕事をお続けください」と応じた。
　皇族方や宮内庁職員らの出席者は人数を絞り、招待客と昼食を囲む「宴会の儀」や各国大使らとの「茶会の儀」は取りやめた。（2021/02/23-11:51）

Japan held an event to celebrate the 61st birthday of Emperor Naruhito on Tuesday morning though it was scaled down amid the novel coronavirus epidemic.
   In the Imperial Palace, the Emperor received congratulations from Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko as well as the leaders of the executive, legislative and judicial branches including Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.
   In response to Suga's celebratory remark, Emperor Naruhito showed his gratitude and expressed hope that Suga will take good care of himself.
   The event, attended also by Empress Masako, had a smaller number of participants than usual. This year, there was no lunch feast with guests or celebratory tea party with foreign ambassadors.
   Furthermore, an event where the general public visits the palace grounds to celebrate the Emperor's birthday was canceled for the second straight year.