Emperor Akihito & Empress Michiko Current Events Part 2: September 2006- January 2013

[Elspeth]

Emperor Akihito & Empress Michiko Current Events Part 2: September 2006- January 2013

Welcome to part 2 of the thread to discuss the current events of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko.

Part 1 is here.

 

[fanletizia]

Japanese emperor Akihito receives a copy of the declaration that will read during the extraordinary session of the Diet

from terra

 

[mandyy]

Japan's Emperor Akihito declares the opening of the extraordinary session of parliament in Tokyo September 28, 2006.
#1: Profimedia
#2-3: Reuters
#2: Emperor enters the House of Councillors
#3: Emperor leaves the Upper House

____________________________________________________________________________________________

The Emperor and Empress left Narita Airport today to head to Hyogo Prefecture for a 3 day visit on Sept. 29, 2006.
#1: NNN news
#2: Mainichi news


#2: The Emperor and Empress on Sept. 30th, 2006 in Hyogo Prefecture visiting some facilities
#1,3: Mainichi news
#2: Asahi news
#4: JIJI press

 

[mandyy]

The Emperor and Empress returned to Tokyo on Oct. 1st after a 3 day visit in Hyogo Prefecture.
#1: Mainichi news

 

[mandyy]

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visited the Showa Emperor Memorial Hall on Oct. 6, 2006. The memorial hall exhibits items and precious belongings of Emperor Hirohito and Empress Nagako.
#1: JIJI press

 

[fanletizia]

From belga

 

[mandyy]

#1-2: The Emperor and Empress meets with foreign members of the Japan Chamber International Osaka on Spet 25, 2006 at the Imperial Residence. This is a worldwide federation of young leaders and entrepreneurs.
#3-4: The Emperor and Empress meets with award winners of The Japan Foundation Award / Special Prizes (2006) on Oct. 4, 2006 at the Imperial Residence. These awards are presented each year to recognize those who have made outstanding achievements in the field of international cultural exchange.
Sources: Kunaicho website

 

[mandyy]

The Emperor attended The 39th annual meeting of the Ichthyological Society of Japan (ISJ) at Tokai University in Shizuoka on Oct. 8th, 2006.
#1: Mainchi news
#2: JIJI press
[URL=http://img85.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2006100900000008maipsociview000ql9.jpg][/URL]

 

[mandyy]

Visit to Japan of His Excellency Mr. Nguyen Tan Dung, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and Mrs. Dung
(Announcement by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

October 6, 2006
His Excellency Mr. Nguyen Tan Dung, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and Mrs. Dung, accompanied by a suite, will pay an official visit to Japan from October 18 to 22, 2006.
During their stay in Japan, the Prime Minister and Mrs. Dung will be received in audience by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan.
The Prime Minister will also hold a meeting with Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan.
The Government of Japan sincerely welcomes the visit of the Prime Minister and Mrs. Dung, which will further strengthen the friendly relations between Japan and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Provisional Itinerary
October 18 (Wed)
Afternoon: Arrival at Tokyo International Airport
October 19 (Thu)
Afternoon: Imperial Audience
Meeting with Prime Minister of Japan
October 22 (Sun)
Morning: Departure from Kansai International Airport

Visit to Japan of His Excellency Mr. Elias Antonio Saca Gonzalez, President of the Republic of El Salvador and Mrs. Saca
(Announcement by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

October 6, 2006
His Excellency Mr. Elias Antonio Saca Gonzalez, President of the Republic of El Salvador, and Mrs. Saca, accompanied by a suite, will pay an official working visit to Japan from October 20 to 24, 2006.
During their stay in Japan, the President and Mrs. Saca will make a State Call on Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan, and Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress will host a Court Luncheon in honor of the President and Mrs. Saca.
The President will also hold a meeting with Mr.Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan.
The Government of Japan sincerely welcomes the visit of the President and Mrs. Saca, which will further strengthen the friendly relations between Japan and the Republic of El Salvador.

Provisional Itinerary
October 20 (Fri)
Afternoon: Arrival at Narita International Airport
October 21 (Sat)
Morning: Departure from Tokyo to Kyoto
October 22 (Sun)
Afternoon: Departure from Kyoto to Tokyo
October 23 (Mon)
Afternoon: Meeting with Prime Minister of Japan
October 24 (Tue)
Morning: State Call
Noon: Court Luncheon
Afternoon: Departure from Japan

Info from MOFA

 

[mandyy]

PM’s visit to Japan helps to build up partnership of trust
.....On the same day, Dung and his wife were warmly received by Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko.
Dung thanked the Emperor and the Japanese Royal family for their profound affection towards the Vietnamese people and their support of Viet Nam-Japan ties.
At the reception, Dung expressed his admiration of Japan’s efforts to protect the environment during its process of modernisation and industrialisation.....​

http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/showarticle.php?num=01POL201006

#1-4: Profimedia
#1-2:Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung is greeted by Japan's Emperor Akihito, as their wives Tran Thanh Kiem and Empress Michiko look on, upon their arrival at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo October 19, 2006.
#3-4: International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge is greeted by Japan's Emperor Akihito as their wives Anne and Empress Michiko look on upon their arrival at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo October 19, 2006.
[URL="http://img243.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nws1270889da7.jpg"][/URL]
[URL="http://img243.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nws1271011ho6.jpg"][/URL]

___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Angola: Japanese Empress Poems to Contribute to Training of Angolans
The content of the poems inserted in the book of Japan's Empress Michiko recently translated into French language will certainly contribute to the spreading of the Asian nation's literature to the young Africans, especially the Angolan youth, by their ability to adapt to other peoples' culture.....
....This book is a double event in itself: The first translation and the French publication of the poems by Empress Michiko from Japan, who was able to express the most intense feelings with a sense of musicality, lightness and reserve which make these poems brilliantly beautiful through mastery of this "supreme" art of waka, 2000 years old, Wrote Mr. Tadao Takemoto.
He went on saying that wrapped up by Poetry; the Empress feels deep love to music and painting. Astonishing, destiny that Tadao Takemoto's prologue mentions in detail. All the Japanese people admire her compassion, her freshness of soul, as well as her simplicity and her elegance that to be perceived demand no effort......
http://allafrica.com/stories/200610161001.html

 

[fanletizia]

Empress celebrates 72nd birthday

TOKYO — Empress Michiko, on the occasion of her 72nd birthday on Friday, expressed her wish that the imperial family's new heir to the throne, Prince Hisahito, would receive loving care and lead a healthy life.

http://www.japantoday.com/jp/news/387986

 

[mandyy]

Empress, turning 72, wishes for new prince's healthy growth
Empress Michiko, on the occasion of her 72nd birthday on Friday, expressed her wish that the imperial family's new heir to the throne, Prince Hisahito, would receive loving care and lead a healthy life.
"All I wish for is that he be kept safe in the loving care of his parents, his older sisters and other people around him, and that he grows up strong and healthy," the empress said in a written reply to questions from the Imperial Household Agency press corps.....While scholars and politicians are discussing how best to prepare the young prince for a possible throne, Empress Michiko said she intends to hear from his parents about how they want to raise their son. "I would first like to listen to the views of his parents, value those views and watch over the prince as he grows up," she said.....The empress also touched on a two-week sojourn made by Crown Princess Masako, who suffers from a stress-related illness, with her family in August in the Netherlands. The unprecedented foreign trip by an imperial family member to recuperate generated considerable interest both at home and abroad.
Empress Michiko said she and the emperor, 72, supported the idea "wholeheartedly" because agency officials were all determined to carry out the plan. "I felt so happy and relieved at the same time," she said, to hear many people say the crown princess' health appears to have improved since the trip.....
http://asia.news.yahoo.com/061019/kyodo/d8krtld80.html


In this photo released by the Imperial Household Agency, Japan's Empress Michiko, right, and Emperor Akihito look on as they stroll in the Fukiage garden at Imperial Palace in Tokyo Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2006. Michiko celebrates her 72nd birthday on Friday, Oct. 20, 2006.

#1-3: from Polfoto
#4: FNN News

 

[ropura]

Congratstulation to "Her Majesty Empress Michiko"
with her " 72 th." birthday.


Ropura.

 

[Emmily]

Empress, turning 72, wishes for new prince's healthy growth
Empress Michiko, on the occasion of her 72nd birthday on Friday, expressed her wish that the imperial family's new heir to the throne, Prince Hisahito, would receive loving care and lead a healthy life.
"All I wish for is that he be kept safe in the loving care of his parents, his older sisters and other people around him, and that he grows up strong and healthy," the empress said in a written reply to questions from the Imperial Household Agency press corps.....While scholars and politicians are discussing how best to prepare the young prince for a possible throne, Empress Michiko said she intends to hear from his parents about how they want to raise their son. "I would first like to listen to the views of his parents, value those views and watch over the prince as he grows up," she said.....The empress also touched on a two-week sojourn made by Crown Princess Masako, who suffers from a stress-related illness, with her family in August in the Netherlands. The unprecedented foreign trip by an imperial family member to recuperate generated considerable interest both at home and abroad.
Empress Michiko said she and the emperor, 72, supported the idea "wholeheartedly" because agency officials were all determined to carry out the plan. "I felt so happy and relieved at the same time," she said, to hear many people say the crown princess' health appears to have improved since the trip.....
http://asia.news.yahoo.com/061019/kyodo/d8krtld80.html


In this photo released by the Imperial Household Agency, Japan's Empress Michiko, right, and Emperor Akihito look on as they stroll in the Fukiage garden at Imperial Palace in Tokyo Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2006. Michiko celebrates her 72nd birthday on Friday, Oct. 20, 2006.

#1-3: from Polfoto
#4: FNN News

I love how the Empress says she wants to listen to the views of the parents of baby Prince Hisahito and value their views on how to raise him. It really should be up to them and not the politicians. She seems to genuinely care about Masako too. Very nice article, thanks for sharing.

 

[mandyy]

The press release of answers from Empress Michiko on the occasion of her 72nd b-day
link- http://www.kunaicho.go.jp/kisyakaiken/kisyakaiken-h1801-01-1.html

Her Majesty’s Answers to Questions by the Press on the Occasion of Her Seventy-second Birthday, 2006
Question 1
Prince Hisahito, born to Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino, is the first prince born into the Imperial Family in 41 years. The prince was delivered by Caesarean section as Princess Kiko was diagnosed with partial placenta previa. Please tell us, as a mother and a grandmother, how Your Majesty felt as you watched over the family, including any specific episodes you may have. Please also tell us your wishes concerning the growth of Prince Hisahito, as well as your thoughts regarding his education as an Imperial heir.
Answer 1
While I was glad to learn that Princess Akishino was expecting, I could not help but wish for her safe pregnancy and delivery as I thought about Princess Akishino having a child after a lapse of 11 years. Although there was an unexpected development of partial placenta previa in the process until birth, we were fortunate that all danger was averted thanks to the devoted care extended by the people concerned.
Placenta previa was a much feared condition some forty years ago when I was expecting my first child. I was still in my mid-20s at the time, and as I thought that childbirth could not have changed all that much from ancient times, the only reference book I had on childbirth was one written by Dr. Shuhei Yasui which my mother had also read a generation before. The frightening descriptions in that book about placenta previa came back to me and I became extremely worried. I was relieved to be informed that, although potential risks still remain, such conditions can now be led to safe childbirth due to medical advancements. Recently I am often asked if I really described Princess Akishino as “having inner strength.” If I thought so and if I may have said so to the people around me, it was not when I was informed that she was expecting. I think it was when Princess Akishino calmly told me on the phone in a rather carefree manner of her condition of placenta previa and the Caesarean section.
Turning to the question regarding my wishes concerning the growth of Prince Hisahito, as he is still so small now, all I wish for is that he be kept safe in the loving care of his parents, his older sisters and other people around him, and that he grows up strong and healthy. Regarding his education, my answer is the same as the one I gave at the time of the birth of Princess Aiko. I would first like to listen to the views of his parents, value those views and watch over the prince as he grows up.
Though“Naru-chan Kenpo”or the Naru-chan Constitution, has often been quoted with reference to the question of the education of an Imperial heir, it was nothing but a collection of memos on small everyday matters I wrote in a big hurry each time before leaving with His Majesty, then the Crown Prince, for our trips in Japan and abroad. I wrote these memos at the request of the young nurses whom I trusted to look after the present Crown Prince (Naru-chan) in my long absence,* and they are certainly not something which should be discussed in conjunction with “the education of a future monarch.” I assume these fragments of memos became known to the public through a book entitled “Hironomiya-sama” or Prince Hiro, written by Dr. Hisashi Sato, a pediatrician and the then chief court physician at the Akasaka Palace. Though I wished that they had stayed within the family, I recall that even Dr. Sato himself mentioned somewhere in his book that, quite apart from the subjects of these memos, what I believed most important in the education of the Crown Prince was something he can only learn from being close to the late Emperor Showa and His Majesty the present Emperor, his grandfather and father, watching their ways of life and especially their ways of being.
* “long absence”
Most visits made by Their Imperial Highnesses the Crown Prince and Crown Princess in those days were quite long in duration. In the same year that His Imperial Highness Prince Hiro was born, their first overseas visit lasted for two weeks and the second, almost a month. Their visit two years later to three prefectures in Kyushu lasted for 13 days.(Note by the Board of Chamberlains)

Question 2
The family of His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince visited the Kingdom of the Netherlands, combining the visit with an occasion for Princess Masako to recuperate. What does Your Majesty think about this trip of recuperation? Please also tell us your thoughts as you watch over Princess Masako, who is aiming to return to her official duties, as well as your thoughts about how Princess Aiko is growing up.
Answer 2
The visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands was realized as both the Crown Prince and Crown Princess thought that it would be good for them, and the specialist physician attending to the treatment of the Crown Princess recommended it as well. As the staff of the Crown Prince’s Household as well as the senior officials of the Imperial Household Agency were also united in their determination to implement the plan, His Majesty The Emperor and I, too, supported it wholeheartedly. We saw them off on their journey, hoping that the whole family, in particular the Crown Princess, would enjoy their whole stay in good health.
When they returned to Japan, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess told us, with much feeling of gratitude, that they had a wonderful time in the Netherlands. I have also heard many people say that they think they can see an improvement in the health of the Crown Princess since her return. I felt so happy and, at the same time, relieved. I am deeply grateful to Her Majesty Queen Beatrix that she, together with her family, extended such warm welcome to the Crown Prince and his family. As to the Crown Princess’s return to her official duties, I believe it is important to wait, while seeking the advice of her physician, until the time comes when the Crown Princess herself feels fully comfortable about resuming her duties. I hope that until then, the Crown Princess and also the Crown Prince will take good care of themselves, looking forward to that time in the future, never abandoning hope but without undue haste.
Aiko is getting taller and growing up to be a girl with pigtails that become her very much. This year, she will be already participating in the Chakko-no-Gi* ceremony. Just as little boys look so nice in their hakamas, little girls really look lovely in their ceremonial attire. I can still see how each and every one of them looked－Sayako, Mako, and Kako－at their Chakko-no-Gi ceremonies.
On the day Aiko visited me in her kindergarten uniform in April this year, she took out one by one, such things as her handkerchief and attendance book from her shoulder bag and tote bag and showed them to me. The next time I see her, she will probably tell me all about her sports meeting and kindergarten excursion. I am looking forward to it very much.
*Chakko-no-Gi is a ceremony passed down in the Imperial family from the Heian Period to celebrate the passage from infancy to childhood. Boys wear hakama, a kind of trousers, and girls wear mo, a kind of long skirt, for the first time.

Question 3
His Majesty The Emperor touched on the importance of the roles played by the female members of the Imperial Family in his remarks at a press conference last year. Your Majesty The Empress as well as the Imperial Princesses have all been fulfilling those roles. Today, all the young members of the Imperial Family in their twenties or younger are princesses, except for Prince Hisahito. Please tell us what roles and positions you expect to be assumed by these female members of the Imperial Family who represent the future generations.
Answer 3
It is difficult to answer this question at a time when various discussions are being held over the Imperial House Law. Especially concerning what “positions” I expect to be assumed by “these female members of the Imperial Family who represent the future generations,” this is a matter that directly relates to the issue of the succession to the Imperial throne, and I do not believe I am in a position to express any expectations about it at this time. Concerning the “roles” played by the female members of the Imperial Family, these roles are inseparable from the “positions” individuals are placed in. Therefore, I shall also refrain from touching on this topic at this time.

#1: JIJI press
#2: Kunaicho website
#3: Screen caps from the Kunaicho video
#4: www.yuko2ch.net
#5: FNN news
http://img227.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1ul5.jpg

Video
http://www.kunaicho.go.jp/meta-7/h181020-300.wvx

 

[merampo]

Prince and Princess Akishino and Sayako
Kuroda(former Princess Sayako) went to The Imperial Palace to celebrate the birthday of Empress of 72 years old.
Sayako is driving a car by herself and in formal dress!

from NTV

 

[monica17]

Thank you for sharing the thoughts of the Empress on the occasion of her 72nd birthday..... I assume this has been 'approved' by the IHA, but her sincerity and concern still shine through.

 

[puresnow]

Happy Birthday!!!!!

This is wonderful news! Congratulations !!!!!!

Thanks for all that info!

 

[mandyy]

El Salvador's first lady Ana Ligia Mixco de Saca, is welcomed by Japanese Empress Michiko, as President Tony Saca, and Emperor Akihito, look on at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2006. Saca arrived in Japan on a five-day visit for talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and other Japanese political and business leaders.

#1-2: from Polfoto
#3-5: Profimedia
#6: JIJI press

 

[Vanesa]

I'm very relieved reading the article posted above. The Empress seems to care a great deal about Princess Masako, and I also hope that Prince Hisahito could be raised as a normal boy.

Ah..and By the way: Happy 72 years old, Your Imperial Majesty Michiko!

Vanesa.

 

[mandyy]

Visit to Japan by H.E. Mr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania
October 25, 2006

1. H.E. Mr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, and the First Lady will visit Japan from Monday, October 30 to Friday, November 3 at the invitation of the Government of Japan.
2. During his stay, President Kikwete will be received by Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress and have a summit meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. President Kikwate is also scheduled to have various talks with those in private sectors and others.
3. It is expected that the visit to Japan by President Kikwete and the First Lady will further enhance the friendly relations between the two countries.

From MOFA
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Main events scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 28

(Kyodo) _ -- Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko to make a four-day visit to Saga Prefecture
http://asia.news.yahoo.com/061027/kyodo/d8l0o0ag6.html
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Photos from the Hyogo Prefecture visit from Sept 29- Oct. 1 (Kunaicho website)

 

[mandyy]

The Emperor and Empress visiting a senior's home in Saga Prefecture on Oct. 28, 2006.
#1: JIJI press
#2-3: Yomiuri news


Saga Prefecture visit on Oct. 29th
#1-2: JIJI press
#3: Mainichi news
#4: Nishinippon web
#5-6: saga-s.co.jp

 

[mandyy]

The Emperor and Empress continuing their visit in Saga Prefecture on Oct. 30th
#1: Yomiuri news
#2: JIJI press

 

[mandyy]

Rwanda's President Kagame to visit Japan next week
http://mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp/national/news/20061101p2a00m0na028000c.html

Visit to Japan by H.E. Mr. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda

1. H.E. Mr. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, will visit Japan from November 6 (Mon) to 9 (Thu) at the invitation of the Government of Japan.
2. During his stay in Japan, President Kagame will be received in audience by His Majesty The Emperor of Japan and have a summit meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. He will also deliver a speech at the United Nations University.
3. President Kagame's forthcoming visit will be his second visit to Japan after an interval of nine years (he visited Japan in 1997 as Vice-President), and the first visit by a President of Rwanda to Japan in ten years. It is expected that this visit will further enhance the relations between the two countries in various fields.
4. President Kagame will be accompanied by three ministers including Mr. Stanislas Kamanzi, Minister of Infrastructure.

From MOFA

_________________________________________________________________________

Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete (L) is welcomed by Japan's Emperor Akihito upon arrvial at the Imperial Palace for a meeting in Tokyo November 1, 2006. Kikwete is Tokyo on a five-day official visit to Japan.

Photo from Reuters
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Nov. 3, 2006.
The government issued decoration on Friday to 4,028 Japanese and 39 foreign ...
http://asia.news.yahoo.com/061102/kyodo/d8l54tu80.html

Writer Setouchi, 4 others receive Order of Culture
http://asia.news.yahoo.com/061103/kyodo/d8l5bspg0.html

Video from NNN news (will expire soon)

 

[mandyy]

Conferment Ceremony for the First Order of Merit Conferment Ceremonies for the First Order of Merit and higher are held in spring and autumn in the Imperial Palace. The order is conferred upon the recipient by His Majesty the Emperor and a certificate of order is conveyed to the recipient by the Prime Minister.

The Emperor today at the conferment ceremony on Nov. 7, 2006.
Photos from JIJI press and AP
AP photo: In this photo released by the Imperial Household Agency, former Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Secretary General Donald Johnston, right, of Canada receives a grand cordon from Japanese Emperor Akihito, left, at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo

________________________________________________________________________________________
Rwanda's President Paul Kagame talks with Japanese Emperor Akihito , as an unidentified interpreter watches, during their meeting at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo November 8, 2006. Kagame is on a four-day visit to Japan.

Photos from Reuters via Yahoo
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[mandyy]

Indian premier to visit Japan Dec. 13-16

(Kyodo) _ Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will make a four-day visit to Japan from Dec. 13 and hold talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, with a bilateral free trade agreement expected to be on the agenda of their talks, a Japanese Foreign Ministry spokesman said Tuesday. Singh, accompanied by his wife Gursharan Kaur, is also scheduled to meet with Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, Press Secretary Mitsuo Sakaba said in a news conference....
http://asia.news.yahoo.com/061121/kyodo/d8lhcnt00.html

_________________________________________________________________________________________
Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko welcome Denmark's Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen and his wife Anne-Mette at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo November 21, 2006.

Photos from Reuters
1
2

 

[mandyy]

Emperor, empress eye visit to Baltic states, Britain in May 2007

(Kyodo) _ Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko are considering a visit to the three Baltic states, Sweden and Britain in May 2007, government sources said Wednesday. The trip would be the 72-year-old couple's first visit to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, and their 14th overseas trip since Emperor Akihito ascended to the imperial throne in 1989...........
http://asia.news.yahoo.com/061129/kyodo/d8lmlndo1.html

 

[mandyy]

Emperor, empress meet SDF personnel
Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko on Thursday met with some 160 Self-Defense Forces personnel who had been dispatched to the Indian Ocean or Iraq to support the U.S.-led war on terror and Iraqi reconstruction....
http://www.japantoday.com/jp/news/393372

Photo from JIJI press
Video from ANN news

Emperor and Empress meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India and his wife at the Imperial Palace on Dec. 14, 2006.
Photo from JIJI press

Japanese emperor, empress to visit Sweden, Baltic states, Britain

.......The trip will last 10 days from May 21, according to the Imperial Household Agency.
In Sweden and Britain, the couple are scheduled to attend commemorative events marking the tricentennial anniversary of the birth of Carl Linnaeus, the Swedish botanist and zoologist known as the "father of modern taxonomy."
Emperor Akihito, who is known as a taxonomist of gobiid fish, is an honorary member of the Linnean Society of London. The emperor and the empress are expected to make an overnight stay in each of the three Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania and offer flowers at memorials for war dead. In Britain, a plan is being arranged for the couple to visit a hospice......
http://asia.news.yahoo.com/061215/kyodo/d8m0up1o0.html

 

[mandyy]

Statement by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
On Their Majesties' Visit to European Countries

December 15, 2006
I am pleased to announce that Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress will pay an Official Visit to the Kingdom of Sweden, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Japan has had close and friendly relations with these countries. The Kingdom of Sweden and the U.K. have extended their invitations to Their Majesties to visit both countries at the occasion of the 300th birthday of Carl Linnaeus, a prominent biologist. The Imperial Family has long enjoyed cordial relationship with their respective Royal Families. Invitations have also been extended to Their Majesties to make their first visit to the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Latvia, and the Republic of Lithuania, with which Japan sees the 15th anniversary of establishment of the new diplomatic relations this year.
I am convinced that, through the Visit, existing friendly relations with these countries will be further strengthened, for which I would like to share my immense pleasure with the people of Japan.
I would like to express my wholehearted wish for Their Majesties' pleasant journey and safe return home.

from Ministry of Foreign Affairs

_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Annan to ask Japan not to go nuclear on 50th anniversary of U.N. entry

(Kyodo) _ The outgoing U.N. secretary general, Kofi Annan, will ask Japan to restrain itself from having heated debates about possible possession of nuclear weapons and stick to its longstanding "non-nuclear policy" when the nation celebrates the 50th anniversary of its membership in the United Nations on Monday.

"A state does not need to possess nuclear weapons to achieve greatness in this world," Annan will say in a message to be delivered at a ceremony in Tokyo to mark the anniversary. A copy of the message was obtained by Kyodo News. Nobuaki Tanaka, U.N. undersecretary general for disarmament affairs, will read the message on Annan's behalf at the ceremony which will be attended by Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko.....
http://asia.news.yahoo.com/061217/kyodo/d8m2gk2g0.html


Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe delivers a speech at a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of Japan's admission to the United Nations in Tokyo Monday, Dec. 18, 2006. He called for reforms to give his country a permanent seat on the Security Council. Looking on in the background are Emperor Akihito, left, and Empress Michiko. (AP Photo/Katsumi Kasahara)
AP
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[sara1981]

Japan emperor urges war teaching
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6206329.stm