Emperor visits shrine for ancient Korean settlers

Japan Today -- Sep 21

Emperor Akihito on Wednesday visited a shrine dedicated to ancient Korean settlers in Hidaka, Saitama Prefecture.

Akihito, accompanied by his wife, Empress Michiko, paid respects at Koma Shrine as part of a two-day private study trip to the region, palace officials said. Akihito has made short trips to small Japanese towns to learn about local history, traditions and culture for more than a decade.

Nearly 1,800 Koreans settled in the area in the 7th century, and the shrine was established to commemorate their leader.

Akihito, 83, listened intently, sometimes asking questions, as the 60th head priest escorted the couple and explained the history of the shrine and the region.

Akihito has noted an ancient Japanese document citing a link between the Japanese monarchy and Korea's Goguryeo dynasty, as he expressed friendship with South Korea.

Sep 21 (ANNnewsCH) - 天皇皇后両陛下が私的旅行で埼玉県を訪問されました。 日高市の「高麗神社」は、朝鮮半島の高句麗(コウクリ)が7世紀に滅亡した前後に、日本に渡ってきた渡来人の指導者が祭られています。両陛下は玉串を捧げて参拝されました。