Society

Emperor's last meeting with foreign dignitaries

Apr 05 (NHK) - Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko have met with Panama's President Juan Carlos Varela and his wife at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

This was the last meeting the Emperor held with heads of states and foreign dignitaries before his planned abdication on April 30.

The first couple of Panama arrived at the palace on Thursday afternoon. The Imperial couple welcomed the guests at the entrance.

Varela reportedly thanked the Emperor for his contribution to world peace and prosperity.

The Emperor reportedly responded that the most important point is that there was no war during the Heisei era. He added that it was because the Japanese people gave serious thought to the tragedy of war.

Thursday's meeting was the 354th in Japan for the Emperor with foreign dignitaries, and the final one before his abdication.

The Emperor did not attend events at the palace on Wednesday due to a cough, but he recovered and attended scheduled events on Thursday.

Source: ANNnewsCH

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