On the early morning of June 10, 2013, His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan departed from Haneda International Airport to begin his seven-day official visit to Spain. The purpose of the crown prince’s visit is to celebrate the 400th anniversary of bilateral relations between Japan and Spain. Prior to his departure the crown prince and the crown princess posed for photographers outside their home in Tokyo.
Meanwhile, His Imperial Majesty Emperor Akihito of Japan arrived at the Imperial Graveyard of Toshimagaoka in Tokyo to visit the tomb of His Imperial Highness the late Prince Tomohito of Mikasa. The prince passed away last year at the age of 66. Unfortunately, Her Imperial Majesty Empress Michiko was unable to attend. According to the Imperial Household Agency the 78-year-old empress was “…feeling quite unwell...” Nevertheless, the emperor was not alone when he paid his respects to the late prince this morning. The emperor was accompanied by the late prince’s daughters, Princess Akiko and Princess Yoko of Mikasa.
On June 9, 2013, Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako of Japan will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary.
***UPDATE: The Imperial couple did spend their special day together. The crown prince and crown princess held a private dinner with Their Imperial Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. Afterward, Crown Prince Naruhito boarded a plane and flew to Spain where he begin hisseven-day official visit on June 10.
The purpose of the visit is“…to help further promote bilateral exchanges that have a long history” as well as to “…mark the 400th anniversary of bilateral exchanges since a mission was dispatched by Japanese feudal lord Date Masamune to Spain in 1613.”
Introduction of Masako Owada
Engagement press conference.
Rare footage of the imperial couple on their way to their traditional Shinto wedding ceremony
On the morning of June 8, 2013, Their Imperial Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan held a farewell audience at Akasaka Palace in Tokyo with French President, Mr. François Hollande, and his partner, Ms. Valerie Trierweiler.
On Friday, June 7, 2013, Their Imperial Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan officially welcomed the president of France, Mr. François Hollande, and his partner, Ms. Valerie Trierweiler, to Tokyo.
After an official welcoming ceremony at the Imperial Palace the emperor and empress hosted a gala dinner in the evening on honor of President Hollande visit to Tokyo, Japan.
The president and his delegation will remain in Japan for the next three days where they will met with various Japanese government leaders and businessmen. The purpose of the visit is to strengthen bilateral ties between Japan and France as well as to “…deepen their cooperation on nuclear technology and to discuss joint development of military equipment, vowing to raise the tenor of their partnership.”
His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan held a press conference this morning at Togu Palace in Tokyo to discuss his upcoming six-day official visit to Spain.
The future emperor of Japan also spoke about his lovely wife, Crown Princess Masako, and their recent trip to the Netherlands, “I believe successfully completing the overseas trip gave Masako confidence. She feels much better…”
His Imperial Highness’s visit to Spain begins on June 10-16, 2013. The purpose of the trip according to the crown prince is to “…help further promote bilateral exchanges that have a long history” as well as to “…mark the 400th anniversary of bilateral exchanges since a mission was dispatched by Japanese feudal lord Date Masamune to Spain in 1613.”
On the afternoon of June 4, 2013, Their Imperial Highnesses Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko of Japan arrived at the National Museum of Science and Nature in the Ueno district of Tokyo to view the exhibition, The Great Journey.
On May 3, 2013, Their Imperial Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan, accompanied by His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito and Their Imperial Highnesses Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko of Japan, hosted a tea party at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo for various leaders attending the 5th Tokyo International Conference on African Development.
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The Royal Correspondent 