What happened at the Emperor’s New Year event?

About 60,000 people visited the Imperial Palace for the Emperor New Year public greeting. The Imperial Household Agency also posted images to 2.31 million Instagram followers. Prince Hisahito appeared alongside Princess Aiko for the first time, drawing extra attention and media coverage that can boost short-term interest in nearby activities.

Why does this matter for markets in Japan?

Large civic gatherings are useful real-world signals of mobility and mood. The size and tone of the greeting can map to store visits, café traffic, and local tourism. If these translate into higher footfall and receipts in early January, investors may see support for near-term revenue in urban retail and hospitality.

What data should investors monitor next?

Watch department store footfall, hotel occupancy notes, restaurant reservations, museum ticket sales, and convenience store sell-through. Transit indicators like station exits and airport arrivals add context. Comparing weekday and weekend patterns over the next two weeks helps confirm if interest from the greeting turns into actual spending.

Did social media change the signal this year?

Yes. The Imperial Household Instagram’s 2.31 million followers extend reach beyond the Palace. Strong engagement can sustain attention for days. If search interest and social views remain high, we look for spillover into short trips, shopping, and dining as people act on fresh interest sparked by the imperial coverage.

Law and Government

January 04: Japan Imperial New Year Draws 60k; Consumer Mood Watch

ByHuzaifa Zahoor January 4, 2026January 4, 2026

Japan’s Emperor New Year public greeting drew about 60,000 visitors at the Imperial Palace, giving a timely pulse on public mood. The Imperial Household Agency also shared images to 2.31 million Instagram followers, extending the audience well beyond Tokyo. Prince Hisahito appeared alongside Princess Aiko for the first time, adding visibility. For investors, the turnout and engagement offer clues on holiday foot traffic and spending in city centers. We view the Emperor New Year public gree as a soft, real-world signal to watch as the January calendar begins.