Tokyo  - Emperor Akihito on Friday voiced his concern Japan's slide into recession as thousands of his subjects gathered for one of the rare occasions of seeing their monarch in public.

"I am concerned that many people face serious problems because of the grave economic situation," Akihito told the flag-waving crowd which had gathered in front of the glazed balcony of Tokyo's imperial palace.

"I hope this year will be a good one for all of you, as far as this is possible," the 75-year-old Tenno, whose role is largely ceremonial, said.

In a New Year address released on Thursday, Akihito made another rare comment on economic matters, urging the Japanese to unite to fight recession.

"I sincerely hope that, by gathering together people's wisdom and by cherishing mutual ties and helping each other, everyone will work together to overcome these latest difficulties," the statement said.

The Japanese public has only two opportunities each year to observe public appearances by the Tenno, one at New Year and the second at Akihito's birthday on December 23.

The year 2009 brings some celebrations for Akihito, first the 20th anniversary of his accession to Japan's Chrysanthemum Throne on January 7, and on April 10 the 50th anniversary of his wedding to Empress Michiko, 74.

Over the past months Akihito had to cancel several of his public engagements due to bad health, which his doctors put down to mental and physical stress.

Because of his fragile health, the number of New Year appearances by the royal family on the palace balcony were cut from traditionally seven to five. (dpa)