The visit becomes more significant in the context when the extensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan for peace and prosperity in Asia has developed comprehensively in many fields, including politics, economics, defence – security, agriculture, labour, culture, sports and tourism. 

President Tran Dai Quang and his wife welcome Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. Photo: Nhan Sang/VNA

President Tran Dai Quang chairs the official welcoming ceremony for Emperor Akihito. Photo: Nhan Sang/VNA

The official welcoming ceremony for Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko is held solemnly at the Presidential Palace. Photo: Nguyen Dan/VNA

 

During the visit, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko had a meeting with President Tran Dai Quang and enjoyed a banquet hosted by the State leader and his spouse. They also met with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his wife, National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan and attended a tea party held by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and his wife. On the occasion, the Japanese royal couple laid a wreath and paid tribute to late President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum in Hanoi. They visited the imperial city of Hue – a world’s culture heritage and attended many important activities. 

President Tran Dai Quang and his wife receive Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko at the Presidential Palace. Photo: Nhan Sang/VNA

President Tran Dai Quang, his wife and Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko present gifts during the visit. Photo: Nhan Sang/VNA

President Tran Dai Quang hosts the banquet for Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. Photo: Nhan Sang/VNA

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and his wife receive Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. Photo: Tri Dung/VNA

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and his wife host a tea party
to welcome Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. Photo: Tri Dung/VNA

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his wife meet with Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan has a meeting with Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. Photo: Trong Duc/VNA

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko lay a wreath and pay tribute to
late President Ho Chi Minh at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Photo: Nguyen Dan/VNA
 

Answering Vietnam News Agency’s reporter, press secretary of the Japanese Emperor Hatsuhisa Takashima underlined that the Emperor is a Japanese symbol. Therefore the first-ever visit of Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko to Vietnam has been considered the most-awaited event and historical visit for Japanese people. 

The Japanese Emperor and Empress’ visit contributed to strengthening the trust, mutual understanding and sentiment between the two peoples, further developing the extensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan in the future. 

Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visited the imperial city of Hue. Photo: Ho Cau/VNA

The Japanese guests enjoy Hue royal court music at Duyet Thi Duong theatre inside the Hue Imperial Citadel. Photo: Ho Cau/VNA

The Emperor and Empress talk in a friendly way with Hue people
when they visit the memorial house of patriot Phan Boi Chau. Photo: Ho Cau/VNA



 Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visit the memorial house of patriot Phan Boi Chau – an initiator of the Dong Du movement
in the early 20th century that encouraged young Vietnamese to go east to study and seek ways to save the nation. Photo: Ho Cau/VNA

 

The Japanese Emperor and Empress are the noble symbols of the nation and the unity of Japanese people. The royal couple pays visits on special celebrations with partners that have close relations with Japan. Emperor Akihito has pleasant feelings towards Vietnam and supports members of the Imperial House of Japan to boost exchange with Vietnam.