天皇誕生日の祝賀行事　一般参賀、３年連続中止―皇居

　天皇誕生日の２３日、６２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感染拡大防止のため、昨年に続き規模を縮小し、一般参賀は３年連続で中止となった。
　天皇、皇后両陛下は同日午前、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。岸田文雄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。国民の幸せと国の発展を願うとともに、友好各国の元首のご健勝と国民の幸せを願います」と応じた。
　上皇ご夫妻へのあいさつを見送るほか、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」も行わなかった。（2022/02/23-11:55）

Ceremonies to mark the 62nd birthday of Japan's Emperor Naruhito were scaled down on Wednesday due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
   An event in which members of the general public visit the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to celebrate the birthday was canceled for the third straight year.
   Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako received congratulations at the palace from Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko as well as Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who gave a celebratory speech.
   In response, the Emperor said he wishes for the happiness of the people as well as the health of leaders of friendly countries and their people.
   A visit by the Imperial couple to Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko was canceled. There was no lunch with guests or tea party with foreign ambassadors.