Royal couple to make first visit to Britain since 1922 in June

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan are gearing up for an exciting trip to Britain as state guests in late June, marking their first visit to the country since attending the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.

This upcoming visit will be the second full overseas trip for the imperial couple since Emperor Naruhito ascended to the throne in 2019, following their visit to Indonesia last year. Originally scheduled for 2020, the trip was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but King Charles III extended another invitation earlier this year.

During their one-week stay, the emperor and empress are expected to attend a welcoming event and banquet at Buckingham Palace, as well as visit the University of Oxford, where they both studied. Additionally, they will explore River Thames transportation, an area of interest for Emperor Naruhito.

The imperial family and the British Royal Family share a long history of close relations. Previous visits by Japanese emperors include Emperor Showa and Empress Kojun in 1971, as well as Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko in 1998.

This upcoming trip by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will be the third state visit to Britain since King Charles III’s coronation, following visits from South Africa and South Korea. The visit is sure to strengthen the bond between Japan and Britain, showcasing the enduring friendship between the two nations.