Japanese Emperor and Empress begin state visit to Belgium

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako officially began their state visit to Belgium on Tuesday with a welcome ceremony at the Royal Palace in Brussels.

The imperial couple were greeted by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, while a military band played the national anthems of both countries. Around 100 spectators, many of them Japanese, gathered to watch the ceremony.

The visit has attracted significant media attention, as the Japanese imperial couple rarely travel abroad. They arrived in Belgium on Saturday after completing a state visit to the Netherlands.

Later on Tuesday, the Emperor and Empress were due to visit Brussels’ Grand Place, where they would meet mayor Philippe Close and greet the public from the Town Hall balcony.

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Emperor Naruhito is also scheduled to meet prime minister Bart De Wever and senior Belgian politicians before attending a state banquet at Laeken Castle in the evening.

The visit marks 160 years of diplomatic relations between Belgium and Japan. Japan is one of Belgium’s key economic partners, with more than 280 Japanese companies operating in the country and providing nearly 30,000 jobs.

The imperial couple will remain in Belgium until 25 June.

^{King Philippe and Queen Mathilde greet Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako © BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE}