The Emperor and Empress of Japan are in the UK on a state visit. It was supposed to happen in 2020, but was delayed by the Covid pandemic. The two countries are currently enjoying the closest relationship they’ve had in decades.

London

Britain is hosting a state visit for Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, marking a significant moment in the close relations between the two countries. The state visit begins with a ceremonial welcome and a carriage ride to Buckingham Palace with King Charles III. This event underscores the growing military, scientific, and cultural connections between the UK and Japan.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak greeted the Japanese royal couple, although no visit to Downing Street is planned due to upcoming British elections. Emperor Naruhito expressed his desire to renew old friendships and hear stories from those connected to both nations during his visit. The emperor will also lay a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Westminster Abbey and attend a state banquet at Buckingham Palace.

This visit builds on last year’s promises, where Japan committed to investing $20 billion in the UK, and both countries signed an agreement to station military forces on each other's territories. The UK is expanding its influence in the Indo-Pacific region, with plans to deploy an aircraft carrier and small battleships next year. The two nations have also signed a bilateral economic partnership and the UK has joined the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will revisit Oxford University, which holds personal significance for them as they both studied there at different times. The emperor remembers his time at the university with fondness.



U.K.'s King Charles welcomes Japan's Emperor for state visit

Britain is rolling out the red carpet for its closest ally in Asia, as the Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan enjoy a three-day state visit to the UK, starting with a ceremonial welcome and carriage ride to Buckingham Palace with King Charles III, a visit intended to reinforce military, scientific and cultural links between the two countries. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak greeted them, but there will be no visit to Downing Street. With British elections just a week away, the usual political elements of the trip have been stripped out. Prior to leaving, Naruhito spoke warmly of Britain. During our visit, we would like to rekindle old friendships with King Charles, his wife and the royal family, hear stories from Japanese people living in the UK or British people that have connections with Japan, so that we have an opportunity to further enhance our friendship. Naruhito will also lay a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Westminster Abbey and later return to the palace for a state banquet. State visits are not just ceremonial affairs. They often have a deeper purpose. Last year, Japan promised to invest $20 billion into the UK, and both countries signed an agreement to station their military forces on each other's territory. This visit will help build on that relationship. It comes as the UK increases its influence in the Indo-Pacific region. Next year, an aircraft carrier and small battleships will again deploy to the area for exercises. As we left Europe, it became much more important to look at new opportunities, and we've seen that in two key areas. A common economic partnership agreement between Japan and the UK, the first major bilateral trade deal for Britain to sign after leaving the European Union. And then more recently, Britain has joined CPTPP, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, this year. Naruhito and Masako will also revisit Oxford University, where they both studied at different times, a place where the emperor enjoyed relative anonymity and remembers fondly. Charlie Angela, Al Jazeera, London.

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