Emperor and Empress Depart for Historic Visit to Mongolia

• The Emperor and Empress embarked on a historic journey to Mongolia.
• This marks their third overseas visit since the beginning of the Reiwa era.
• The couple is the first reigning emperor and empress to visit Mongolia.

Historic State Visit to Mongolia Begins

The Emperor and Empress of Japan took flight from Haneda Airport yesterday morning as part of a significant state visit to Mongolia. Their departure, which occurred around 12:43 JST, is indeed notable as this marks the first time in history that a reigning emperor and empress have journeyed to Mongolia. This official visit is also their third overseas excursion focused on fostering international goodwill since the commencement of the Reiwa era, previous travels including visits to both Indonesia and the United Kingdom.

Ceremony Marks Significant Departure

During the departure ceremony, which started at approximately 10:40 a.m., the royal couple was accompanied by Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, along with other dignitaries like Masakazu Sekiguchi, the President of the House of Councillors. The atmosphere was filled with warmth as the Emperor and Empress greeted those present. They waved cheerfully to the crowd before boarding their government plane, symbolizing Japan’s commitment to enhancing relations with Mongolia.

The Emperor and Empress’s trip to Mongolia signifies a historic diplomatic effort, reinforcing Japan’s commitment to international goodwill. This visit, the first of its kind for a reigning couple, puts emphasis on strengthening ties between Japan and Mongolia. Each step of this journey reflects not only cultural exchanges but also Japan’s growing role on the international stage.