Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako Begin UK State Visit with Focus on Strengthening Ties

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan have kicked off their week-long state visit to the UK, marking their first official visit since 2019. The visit aims to enhance ties between the two countries and includes meetings with UK leaders and visits to key institutions.

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako have arrived in the UK for a week-long state visit, their first official visit since 2019. They landed at Stansted Airport on June 22, ahead of their formal welcome by King Charles III and Queen Camilla on June 25. The visit will include a ceremonial carriage procession to Buckingham Palace and a state banquet.

Emperor Naruhito, 64, and Empress Masako, 60, both have strong connections to the UK, having studied at Oxford University. Their planned visit in 2020 was canceled due to the pandemic. The emperor is keen to revisit the Thames Barrier, a landmark he studied during his time at Oxford.

The visit underscores the UK’s aim to strengthen ties with Japan, bolstered by recent economic partnerships following Brexit. The couple will meet with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Keir Starmer at the state banquet during their stay, which also includes visits to the Francis Crick Institute and Oxford University.