ROUGH CUT, NO REPORTER NARRATION<br/> <br />Japanese Emperor Akihito gave his annual New Year greeting on Friday (January 2), saying he hoped for a better year for the country and calling for peace and happiness around the world.<br/> <br />Thousands of well wishers gathered for the address.<br/> <br />As he stepped out on to the bullet-proof balcony of the palace, many burst into cheers of "Long live the Emperor" as they waved the Japanese flag.<br/> <br />2015 marks 70 years since the end of World War II.<br/> <br />While the Emperor is active as a figurehead for the nation, he rarely addresses the public except on occasions such as his birthday, the New Year's Day message and before overseas trips.
