A Photographer’s Guide to Emperor Akihito’s 83rd Birthday
Visiting the Tokyo Imperial Palace on December 23
How often do you get the chance to photograph a reigning monarch from just fifty meters away? On December 23, 2016, I had that very opportunity. With my camera in hand, I joined a massive crowd heading to the Imperial Palace, hoping to capture Japan’s Emperor Akihito on his 83rd birthday. The day turned into a lesson in navigating unexpected weather, massive crowds, and the tricky reflections of palace windows. Here’s my story.
Preparation: What to wear for a winter day in Tokyo
My first mistake happened before I even left home. It was a winter day, but an unseasonably warm one. Dressed in jeans, a jacket, and a scarf, I was completely unprepared for the weather. Upon arriving at the palace, I found myself surrounded by people in shorts and T-shirts. I was sweating and wished I had checked the forecast.
Managing the Emperor’s birthday crowds
Despite my wardrobe mishap, the event itself was impressively well-organized. Security checks were smooth and painless, and the police efficiently managed the entry and exit of 33,300 visitors. While I appreciated the seamless logistics, the constant reminders of “Please keep moving. Don’t stand still to take pictures” were a challenge for a photographer.
At the scheduled time, Emperor Akihito, looking well for his age, appeared on the Chowaden Hall balcony. The crowd erupted in cheers, raising their small Japanese flags high in the air. He was joined by his wife, Empress Michiko, his sons, their wives, and two of his granddaughters. In a brief speech, the Emperor thanked the public for their good wishes. He also expressed his concern for the residents of Itoigawa city in Niigata prefecture, where a large fire had recently destroyed many homes and businesses.
Photography tips: Beat glass reflections & distance
To maximize my chances of getting a good shot, I stayed for all three of the Emperor’s appearances. Not being the tallest person, I had to stand on my tiptoes to get my lens above the sea of heads and flags.
An even bigger challenge was the glass on the balcony. No matter where I stood, the windows reflected a significant amount of light, making a clear shot difficult. I quickly learned that staying in one spot was not an option. Moving between his appearances was the key to finding a better angle. Fortunately, the police don’t usher you out of the main courtyard during the breaks. But, with so many people staying put, you have to be quick to claim a new spot while navigating the flow of those leaving.
Recommended camera lenses for the emperor
This experience highlighted the limitations of my gear. My Pentax 18-135mm lens was simply not powerful enough for the distance. Every photo I took had to be deeply cropped to bring Emperor Akihito and his family to a reasonable size. I couldn’t help but notice the media photographers positioned behind me, armed with lenses that were at least 400mm. They had the professional equipment that comes with salaries and budgets, while I had to wait another five years to get a long zoom lens of my own!
Is attending the Emperor’s Birthday worth it?
Attending Emperor Akihito’s birthday is a fantastic event for anyone interested in Japan’s Imperial family. Be prepared for massive crowds, as the family is incredibly popular, and people cherish any opportunity to see them in person.
Editor’s note: Akihito abdicated the throne on 30 April 2019 so his title has become Emperor Emeritus. Learn more about his and his wife’s new roles on their official website. His son, Naruhito is now Japan’s Emperor. You can learn more about him on the official Imperial Household Agency website.
