Japanese Imperial couple arrives in Belgium for state visit
Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako arrived at Melsbroek military airport shortly before noon on Saturday, marking the start of their state visit to Belgium on the occasion of the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The imperial couple were welcomed on the tarmac by Princess Elisabeth, who was taking part in a state visit for the first time. Justice minister Annelies Verlinden (CD&V) was also present.
The Emperor and Empress arrived from the Netherlands, where they had completed a three-day state visit. A second Japanese state aircraft, serving as a reserve plane, also landed in Belgium.
© BELGA VIDEO POOL MAARTEN WEYNANTS.
Although the visit officially began on Saturday, public engagements will not start until Tuesday. Following their arrival, the imperial couple travelled to Ciergnon Castle in the province of Namur, where they will stay until Monday before moving to the Royal Palace in Laeken.
The official programme begins on Tuesday in Brussels with a ceremony at Place des Palais. Later that day, Emperor Naruhito will meet prime minister Bart De Wever at the Lambermont, in the presence of foreign minister Maxime Prévot. The day will conclude with a state banquet at Laeken Castle.
On Wednesday, Emperor Naruhito and King Philippe will travel to Namur before continuing to Leuven, where they will visit the microelectronics research centre imec and KU Leuven, with particular attention to the university's East Asian Library.
The imperial couple will leave Belgium on 25 June after meeting members of the Japanese community at the ambassador's residence.
Crown Princess Elisabeth welcomes Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Japanese Empress Masako upon the arrival at Melsbroek military airport for an official state visit to Belgium, on Saturday 20 June 2026, in Brussels.
©BELGA PHOTO POOL PHILIP REYNAERS
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