Japan’s Emperor Naruhito is set to make his first overseas trip since taking the throne in May 2019, with a visit to Indonesia scheduled for June. This highly anticipated trip will not only mark the emperor’s first official visit to Southeast Asia, but it will also be a significant moment for both countries as they celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The Emperor’s visit is expected to strengthen the bond between Japan and Indonesia and open up new opportunities for cooperation across various sectors. Stay tuned for more updates on this historic event.
According to the top government spokesman, Japan is preparing for an official visit by Emperor Naruhito to Indonesia in the latter half of June. This visit would mark the emperor’s first official goodwill visit abroad since he ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne in 2019. The Chief Cabinet Secretary, Hirokazu Matsuno, said that Empress Masako, who has been battling stress-induced illness for a long time, may join him on the visit, depending on her health condition.
President Joko Widodo had invited the couple during his visit to the Imperial Palace in July last year, and if the visit goes ahead, it would coincide with the 50th anniversary of friendship and cooperation between Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which Indonesia currently chairs. ASEAN comprises of Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The couple’s last overseas visit was to Britain in September last year, where they attended Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral. Emperor Naruhito’s parents, former Emperor Akihito and former Empress Michiko, had previously visited Indonesia in 1991 as part of their first overseas tour following his enthronement a few years before.
The Imperial Household Agency has been carrying out public relations activities to convey the personalities and activities of Emperor Naruhito and his family to domestic and overseas audiences. The agency’s public relations office was launched earlier this month to promote the royal family’s role, history, and other activities to the Japanese public and to people around the world.
Last month, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko of Japan attended the coronation of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands on behalf of Emperor Naruhito. The emperor had initially planned to attend the coronation himself but couldn’t due to the pandemic. During the prince’s visit, he conveyed a message from Emperor Naruhito expressing his concern over the Covid-19 situation.
In January this year, Emperor Naruhito performed a ritual to usher in the New Year, expressing his sorrow over the global suffering caused by the pandemic and calling for an end to wars, stating that he prays for a peaceful world.
The emperor’s duties include visiting disaster sites, attending ceremonies, and hosting foreign guests. His eldest daughter, Princess Aiko, who turned 19 in December, is attending her first year of university. Emperor Naruhito’s younger brother, Crown Prince Akishino, is first in line to the throne, while his son, Prince Hisahito, is second in line.
In conclusion, the upcoming visit of Emperor Naruhito to Indonesia marks an important milestone in the long-lasting friendship and cooperation between Japan and ASEAN. It offers an opportunity for the emperor to strengthen bilateral ties with Indonesia and express his concern about the pandemic situation worldwide. By highlighting the role and history of the Japanese royal family, the Imperial Household Agency aims to enhance the public’s understanding of their duties and activities.
