Japan’s imperial couple to visit Belgium for 160th anniversary diplomatic relations
Emperor Naruhito of Japan and his wife, Empress Masako, will pay an official visit to Belgium from 23 to 24 June. It is the first visit to Belgium by a reigning Japanese emperor since 1993 and marks the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In 1921, Crown Prince Hirohito made the first official visit to Belgium. He was received at the time by King Albert I and Queen Elisabeth. Since then, visits have increased and a bond has developed between the royal families.
Naruhito and Masako’s last visit dates back to 1999, when they were still Crown Prince and Crown Princess. They attended the wedding of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde in Brussels at that time.
King Philippe himself has travelled to Japan on several occasions, including for a state visit in 2016 and for the coronation ceremony of Emperor Naruhito in 2019.
“Since the Treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation of 1866, cooperation between Belgium and Japan has continued to grow. The imperial couple’s state visit offers an opportunity to celebrate the flourishing friendship between our two countries and to deepen our bilateral relations in the coming years,” the Royal Palace announced on Tuesday.
The official programme has not yet been announced, but the imperial visit will in general highlight the strong cultural and economic ties between the two countries. Japan and Belgium share a passion for gastronomy, art and classical music.
Furthermore, 300 Japanese companies employ around 25,000 people in Belgium. There are also 80 Belgian companies operating in Japan. Trade between the two countries amounts to an average of around 2.000 billion yen per year, or nearly 11 billion euros.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium greet Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan in 2016 in Japan © BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND