The Japanese Imperial Couple’s Three Day Visit to the Hawaiian Islands

It’s been fifteen years since Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visited the Hawaiian Islands, and like their last visit the Imperial couple were greeted with much fanfare.

Arriving at Hickam Air Force Base, the Emperor and Empress were officially welcomed by Gov. Linda Lingle, along with other local notables, who presented the couple with a traditional leis which were entwined with delicate local flowers and Maile leaves.

Minutes later the couple were whisked off to Kapiolani Park to visit the tree the Emperor planted some 49 years ago. Greeted with the true Aloha spirit the couple were cheered on by hundreds of locals as well as tourists as they passed by.

During their second day of their three-day visit the couple attended a wreath-laying ceremony on Wednesday July 15 at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl in Honolulu. The purpose of the event was to honor those who fought in various wars. The Emperor and Empress will also attend gala dinner at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in downtown Waikiki. The couple will end their visit in Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Filed under Japan
Tagged Emperor Akihito of Japan, Empress Michiko of Japan, Military, Official Visit, United States of America.

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