Arya News - The couple are scheduled to lay flowers at a cenotaph commemorating about 1,700 Japanese people who died in internment in Mongolia after World War II.
ULAANBAATAR – The Emperor and Empress arrived in Ulaanbaatar on Sunday after departing from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport for a visit to Mongolia, where they are state guests. It is the first time for the Imperial couple to visit Mongolia and their third trip abroad to foster international goodwill since the Emperor was enthroned. Previously, they flew to Indonesia and the United Kingdom.
Prior to their departure, the Imperial couple attended a ceremony at about 10:40 a.m. at the airport, where they were seen off by Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, the president of the House of Councillors and others. The couple then waved as they boarded a government plane.
The Emperor and Empress wave from the steps of a government airplane at Haneda Airport in Tokyo on Sunday. PHOTO: THE YOMIURI SHIMBUN
The two are scheduled to participate in a welcome ceremony and meet with Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh and his wife on Tuesday. The Emperor will deliver a speech at a state dinner. The couple are then to lay flowers at a cenotaph commemorating about 1,700 Japanese people who died in internment in Mongolia after World War II.
The couple will also attend the opening ceremony of Naadam, Mongolia’s largest traditional festival, and visit a school and a hospital that have deep ties with Japan. Additionally, they will meet with local children. They are scheduled to return to Japan next Sunday.
While the Imperial couple are abroad, Crown Prince Akishino will stand in for the Emperor and handle the imperial duties.