Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako leave Tokyo on June 17.
Kyodo News reported that Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako left Tokyo on June 17, beginning their first official goodwill visit as representatives of the Japanese Royal Family since his ascension to the throne in 2019.
The visit to Indonesia, which lasts until June 23, includes an official lunch with Indonesian President Joko Widodo and a visit to the cemetery of Indonesian independence fighters.
This is the second overseas trip of the Emperor and Empress since ascending the throne, after going to London to attend the funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth in September 2022.
The visit comes as Japan and ASEAN, chaired by Indonesia in 2023, celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations.
Before leaving, the emperor expressed hope that the visit would further deepen relations between the two countries after going through a "difficult period", referring to Japan's sending of troops to Indonesia during World War II.
"It is important to remember those who died, deepen our understanding of history and foster a love for peace, " he said at a news conference in Tokyo on June 15.
He expressed hope that the visit would promote more cooperation between Indonesian and Japanese youth, mentioning that he and the queen wanted to learn more about Indonesia.
Previously, President Widodo invited the Emperor to visit in August 2019.
Emperor Naruhito said the empress, who has long had health problems caused by stress, will not attend any events with him in Indonesia.
The Emperor and Empress are scheduled to meet President Widodo and his wife on June 19, and they will have lunch together at the presidential palace in Bogor near Jakarta. The following day, the delegation will lay flowers at the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery.
From June 21, the Emperor is expected to travel to Yogyakarta, an ancient city in central Java, to attend a dinner hosted by the local governor.
The emperor's itinerary also includes a visit to a high-speed railway built with Japanese economic aid and a university that teaches Japanese, as well as meetings with Japanese citizens living in Indonesia.
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