Japan's Empress Masako turned 61 years old on December 9.

Empress Masako attended ritual ceremonies at the Imperial Palace where she received congratulatory messages from other imperial family members.　

Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko and their daughter Princess Kako were there to celebrate Empress Masako.

In the evening, Prince Hisahito, who reached adulthood at age 18 in September, also visited the empress to give her birthday greetings for the first time on his own.

Empress Masako and Emperor Naruhito paid a visit to Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko to greet them marking the empress' birthday. 

The empress reflected on the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in a message marking her birthday, saying that it was a deeply painful start to the year.
She mourned the victims and expressed her concern for the survivors.
 
Regarding Princess Aiko, the Empress said that she hopes her daughter will strive to fulfill her duties as a member of the Imperial Family while gaining various experiences as a member of society while working for the Japanese Red Cross Society.

Empress Masako also wrote that she hopes the year 2025 will be full of bright hope for the people of Japan and the world. 

She said she will strive to fulfill her duties as she continues to pray for the happiness of the people of Japan.