Japanese Emperor Akihito (L) waves to people as Empress Michiko looks on during a celebration of his 78th birthday at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo Dec 23, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

TOKYO - Japanese Emperor Akihito celebrated his 78th birthday Friday while expressing concern and support for people affected by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

The year 2011 has been "a truly distressing year, dominated by disasters," the emperor said in a statement released through the Imperial Household Agency.

"I feel that the Japanese people have come together as a nation to squarely face the disaster and do what they can to be of help for the victims," he said.

The emperor was admitted to hospital on Nov. 6 and received treatment for bronchial pneumonia for more than two weeks. "I would like to express my gratitude to all the people for their concern and compassion regarding my health," the emperor said.

Celebration ceremonies were held at the Imperial Palace, when the Emperor greeted the public and expressed his gratitude to the well-wishers.