TOKYO: Imperial New Year Reception 2026 – Motorcade of Ambassadors to Japan

The New Year’s Celebration, held annually on January 1 at the Imperial Palace, is an imperial court function in which Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, accompanied by other members of the Imperial Family, receive New Year’s greetings from Japanese government officials, representatives of the legislative and judicial branches, and members of the diplomatic corps in Japan. To offer their New Year’s greetings, members of the diplomatic corps travel to the Imperial Palace in their official vehicles. A motorcade of approximately 130 vehicles passes through the Main Gate and proceeds to the Palace. Turn on Captions (CC) to see the country names and vehicle models. 00:00 Relocation of Stone Barriers for Motorcade Passage 00:41 Motorcade Vehicle Carrying Princess Kako and Prince Hisahito 01:09 Motorcade Vehicle Carrying Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko 01:15 Official Motorcade of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi 02:06 Diplomatic Motorcade of Ambassadors to Japan January 1, 2026