B146;day: Emperor146;s reality check

In an unusual move, Japanese Emperor Akihito, who turned 69 on Monday, told wellwishers gathered to celebrate the day that he understood the nation8217;s economic troubles were making their lives difficult.

In a traditional appearance on a balcony at the Imperial Palace, Akihito said: 8216;8216;I understand that everyone has been living through continuing tough economic times. I hope the coming year will be good for all of you,8217;8217; he said to cheering, flag-waving crowds in one of three appearances, for which the Japanese media said attendance totalled 14,000. It is unusual for any member of Japan8217;s Imperial family to comment directly on current events, as they usually limit their statements to innocuous, non-controversial topics.

At a news conference several days before his birthday, Akihito elaborated on this theme, saying: 8216;8216;I understand this year, in which economic troubles have continued, has brought many hardships to the Japanese people. 8216;8216;I am hoping that things will improve, even if only a little, next year.8217;8217;

Looking back on the year, Akihito praised the co-hosting of the World Cup soccer tournament by South Korea and Japan, whose relations have sometimes been strained by lingering resentment of Japan8217;s 1910-1945 colonisation of the Korean peninsula.