TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Emperor Naruhito on Sunday greeted thousands who gathered to celebrate his 65th birthday, joined by Empress Masako, their daughter Princess Aiko and other imperial family members, expressing hope for the people's happiness and good health.

Ahead of his birthday, the emperor expressed hope at a press conference that the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II later this year would serve as an occasion to renew a pledge for peace.

From a balcony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Sunday, he greeted and waved to a total of 18,000 well-wishers over three sessions, according to Imperial Household Agency. He was also joined by his younger brother, Crown Prince Fumihito, Crown Princess Kiko and their daughter Princess Kako.

Expressing gratitude for the show of support, the emperor said, "I wish for a peaceful spring for each and every one of you in all parts of the country. I hope for everyone's good health and happiness." He also expressed sympathy for those affected by the heavy snow that hit many areas along the Sea of Japan.

A banquet to celebrate his birthday was held for the first time in five years following a hiatus due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Cabinet members and ambassadors in attendance.

At his press conference on Thursday, the emperor spoke about the heavy toll of war, including the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the fierce ground battle on Okinawa, emphasizing the importance of passing down stories and lessons from the past. He also expressed hope that younger generations are actively seeking to learn about the war.

"I believe it is important to strengthen our love for peace by deepening our understanding of the past and not forgetting those who lost their lives nor those who experienced hardship and sadness," he said at the press conference at the Imperial Palace.

As the world today faces war and other crises, he said, "further cooperation and collaboration on the international stage is required to create a peaceful world, as well as a society that respects different values."

Japan will mark the 80th anniversary of its surrender in World War II on Aug. 15.

Last year, the emperor and Empress Masako made a state visit to Britain, meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla. They also visited various locations throughout Japan, including the Noto Peninsula, hit by an earthquake on New Year's Day last year.

He said he hoped that those in disaster-stricken regions in the country will be able to live peacefully as soon as possible.

Regarding the official Instagram account created last year by the Imperial Household Agency, the emperor said it is important to share information to build trust but also noted people should be reminded that their expressions of views can sometimes hurt others.

"I wish for a sympathetic society in which we think about other people's feelings, situations and positions and are considerate of those with different opinions," he said.

At the press conference, the emperor said he was delighted to see his daughter, Princess Aiko, thrive and learn at her workplace at the Japanese Red Cross Society, as he had never been employed himself.

"I hope she continues to grow and broadens her perspective through further experiences," he said.

Reflecting on positive developments over the past year, the emperor said the achievements on the world stage made by the athletes at the Olympics and Paralympics in Paris and baseball star Shohei Ohtani winning his third MVP award gave people in Japan hope and courage.