The Japanese Embassy in Peru is not holding the traditional reception for Emperor Akihito's birthday following the 1996 hostage crisis.

At the official celebration, held on December 17, the Ambassador's residence was attacked by left wing Tupac Amaru rebels and hundreds of people were taken hostage.

BBC Correspondent Juliet Hindell reports from Tokyo (Dur: 1' 23")

The hostage crisis has left the Japanese apprehensive of further violent attacks on officials abroad. Security has been stepped up at embassies all over the world.

Yoshizo Konishi, the new Ambassador to Lima, is accompanied by police wherever he goes. He says he needs to be alert but not overly sensitive.

The Emperor's birthday, on Tuesday, December 23, is a national holiday in Japan, and celebrations there are going on as usual.

The Imperial Palace Gardens in the centre of Tokyo is open to the public and the Emperor is making his customary appearance to the assembled crowds from his residence.

Last year, the Emperor's public appearance and birthday banquet were cancelled because they were deemed disrespectful to those in captivity.

The Tokyo government has also cancelled birthday celebrations at the Japanese Embassy in Bolivia because of security concerns following the imprisonment of Tupac Amaru guerillas there.
 

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