Japan's Imperial Household Agency is expected to cancel the New Year greetings by the imperial family due to the spread of the new coronavirus.
The imperial family greets the general public every year on January 2 and the Emperor's birthday.
Members of Japan's Imperial family have celebrated Crown Prince Akishino's public proclamation as heir to the throne.
Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and Crown Prince and Princess Akishino arrived at the Imperial Palace through the Hanzomon Gate on Tuesday morning.
Japan's imperial family has decided to forgo their summer retreat outside Tokyo due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko spend several days every summer at the Suzaki Imperial Villa in Shizuoka Prefecture, or the Nasu Imperial Villa in Tochigi Prefecture.
Official events have resumed at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo for the first time in about three months, with measures in place to prevent coronavirus infections.
On Wednesday, Emperor Naruhito received credentials from the new ambassadors of Tonga and Rwanda. It was his first ceremonial duty at the palace since late March.
A trip to Britain by Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako has been postponed due to the new coronavirus pandemic.
The couple was scheduled to visit Britain as state guests for about a week in early May. It was to be their first overseas trip since the emperor's accession to the throne last year.
The Japanese government is considering the postponement of the Imperial couple's visit to Britain amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Arrangements have been underway for the couple to spend about a week in the UK on a state visit in early May.
NHK has learned that arrangements are being made for Japan's Imperial couple to make a state visit to Britain for about a week in early May.
The British royal household announced last month that Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako had accepted an invitation from Queen Elizabeth.
Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter, Princess Aiko visited Tokyo's Kokugikan arena to watch the main bouts on the 14th day of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Saturday.
The Chairman of the Japan Sumo Association, Hakkaku, and stable masters welcomed them when they arrived at around 5 p.m.
The Japanese Imperial Family has long had close relations with the British Royal Family.
Emperor Emeritus Akihito has engaged in exchanges with the Royal Family since 1953, when he attended the coronation of Queen Elizabeth on behalf of Emperor Showa.
About 250 Imperial Guard Headquarters members paraded solemnly through central Tokyo on Jan. 25 with unwavering determination ahead of the upcoming historical events in accordance with Emperor Akihito's abdication of the throne.
The members of the Imperial Guard Headquarters, dedicated to the protection of the emperor and his family, marched in perfect unison with 12 guard horses and three guard dogs during an annual parade through Higashi Gyoen (east garden of the Imperial Palace) to mark the beginning of the year.