Streaker Disrupts Emperor Naruhito's New Year Greetings at Imperial Palace

Incident Unfolds at Imperial Palace

A man in his 20s caused a stir at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Friday, January 2, 2026, by stripping naked and climbing over a barrier during Emperor Naruhito's New Year greeting. The incident took place in the gardens below the balcony of the Chowa-Den Hall, where the Emperor and other members of the Imperial Family were addressing the public.

The disruption occurred shortly after Emperor Naruhito had concluded his remarks to the assembled crowd. Reports indicate the man, whose identity has not been released, was in the front row of the palace gardens when he removed his clothes.

Swift Response from Security Forces

Imperial guards and Tokyo police acted swiftly to contain the situation. They immediately restrained the man, wrapped him in a blanket, and took him into custody. He was arrested on suspicion of public indecency.

Investigative sources, including broadcaster TBS, revealed that the man had reportedly announced his intention to streak at the annual event on social media prior to the incident.

New Year's Tradition Continues

The New Year's greeting is a long-standing tradition where the Emperor and other Imperial Family members make several appearances on the palace balcony to greet well-wishers. Despite the brief confusion caused by the streaker, the Imperial Household Agency stated that the event itself was not affected.

The Imperial Family holds a symbolic role in Japan, with public criticism of the institution being extremely rare. The annual New Year's greeting is one of the few opportunities for the public to see the Emperor and other royals directly.