A group of rejoicing women offer "Banzais" in front of the Imperial Palace: The news Tuesday, February 23rd of the birth of a son to Princess Michiko caught the nation unprepared, but Japanese reacted quickly and could soon be seen celebrating the event on the streets of Tokyo. In the capital, crowds cheered the news from late afternoon into the night. Many congregated around the Imperial Palace grounds while others awaited the appearance of the newly minted father, Crown Prince Akihito, who went to the Imperial hospital in the early evening to see the princess and their newborn son.

Hiroshi Morodomi, ©1960, 2019 Stars and Stripes, All Rights Reserved | BUY THIS PHOTO