Society

Japanese Imperial Couple Arrive in UK

LONDON, Jun 24 (News On Japan) - The Emperor and Empress of Japan have arrived in the UK for an official visit aimed at strengthening friendly relations. This marks the Emperor's first state visit to the UK in 26 years since 1998.

Their Majesties Arrive in the UK

Amid the attention of over 100 people lining the streets, the Emperor and Empress arrived at a central London hotel on the 22nd, chauffeured in a luxury Bentley sent by King Charles of the UK. This visit, aimed at promoting international goodwill, is the Emperor's first to the UK in 23 years.

A Swiss tourist commented, ‘It’s very interesting to see the Japanese Royal Family.’

Following a roughly 14-and-a-half-hour flight from Japan, Their Majesties arrived at an airport near London. The Emperor wore a light blue tie, while the Empress was dressed entirely in light blue, creating a coordinated look.

Official Friendship Visit to "Memorable Place"

For Their Majesties, the UK holds special memories from their youth. This visit carries particular significance for each of them.

The Emperor stated, ‘The UK is a place of memories from our respective student days, and we are looking forward to this visit.’

After graduating from Gakushuin University, the Emperor studied at the University of Oxford. Although at different times, the Empress also studied at Oxford during her time at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Empress later married the Emperor. During the Emperor's visit to the UK 23 years ago, she was unable to accompany him due to pregnancy. At that time, the Emperor, as Crown Prince, was invited by Queen Elizabeth II.

Queen Elizabeth remarked, ‘This is very precious,’ as she viewed ivory fans gifted by Japanese royalty.

To strengthen bilateral relations, the Emperor participated in the traditional Japanese dance "Awa Odori" with King Charles, who was then Prince of Wales.

The Emperor said in 2001, ‘I am coming alone this time, but I hope we can come together next time.’

While raising Princess Aiko, the Empress joined the Emperor on official trips to Oceania the following year, expressing her joy in visiting foreign countries.

The Empress said in December 2002, ‘I am truly grateful to be able to visit New Zealand and Australia.’

The Emperor added, ‘I hope that we can make more frequent joint visits abroad in the future.’

Now, as state guests, Their Majesties have arrived in the UK, a place full of memories. They will attend various official events, including a welcome ceremony and a banquet at Buckingham Palace, from the 25th to the 27th.

During their 6-night, 8-day stay, they are scheduled to visit the University of Oxford and stroll around the city on their final day, the 28th.

The Emperor reflected, ‘Masako is also grateful for the invitation from the UK. She looks forward to this visit, recalling her two years at the University of Oxford, and hopes that the long-standing friendship between Japan and the UK will continue to deepen.’

Source: ANN

Japan's Population Declines for 16th Straight Year

Japan’s population of Japanese nationals has decreased for the 16th consecutive year, according to demographic data released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. As of January 1st, 2025, the Japanese population stood at 120.65 million, a drop of roughly 910,000 from the previous year—marking the largest annual decline on record.

Dangerous Heat Leaves Cows Exhausted and Summer Crops Failing

A severe and prolonged heatwave is taking a widespread toll across Japan, affecting everything from traditional summer events to vegetable harvests and dairy farms.

Officials Investigate Fireworks Fiasco

Authorities have launched a full investigation into the fire that broke out during the Minato Mirai fireworks festival in Yokohama, where five workers had to be rescue from an exploding barge.

Japan's Rice Strategy Fails

Japan’s government plan to flood the market with stockpiled rice to lower prices is facing setbacks, as demand slumps and cancellations from retailers increase. Initially popular, the rice is now piling up on shelves, prompting calls to extend the end-of-August sales deadline. Even discounted imported rice is struggling to sell. Meanwhile, rice prices have unexpectedly risen for the first time in 10 weeks.

Australia to Jointly Develop New Warships with Japan

Australia has selected Japan’s proposal for the joint development of next-generation naval vessels, marking a significant milestone in bilateral defense cooperation.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Korean Men Flocking to Japan in Search of Japanese Wives

An increasing number of South Korean men are traveling to Japan to find Japanese wives, with some making repeated trips each year until they meet a potential partner. Behind this trend lies a mix of cultural expectations and economic pressures.

Peace Bell Rings in Nara Temple

August 6th marks 80 years since the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. At Yakushiji Temple in Nara, a bell rang out with prayers for peace.

Historic Osaka Temple Becomes Ghost Spot After Head Priest's Arrest

A centuries-old temple in Osaka has become a hotspot for trespassing and online ghost-hunting rumors, following the absence of its head priest and the fallout from a criminal case involving its former leader.

Fireworks Barge Catches Fire in Yokohama

A barge used to launch fireworks caught fire during the Minato Mirai Smart Festival 2025 held in Yokohama’s waterfront district on Monday night, prompting an emergency response.

The Hidden Crisis of Abandoned Homes in Tokyo

A hidden problem lies behind the seemingly ordinary streets of Setagaya Ward, Tokyo. A vehicle belonging to the ward’s government arrives at a heavily overgrown property. The team inside is part of a specialized task force dealing with abandoned homes, and today they are conducting an inspection of one such property.

Four Workers Die After Falling Into Manhole Without Safety Gear

Four male workers in their 50s died after falling into a manhole during a sewer inspection in Gyoda City, Saitama Prefecture, and none of them were wearing fall-prevention safety harnesses, it has been revealed.

Two High School Boys Drown While Playing in Irrigation Pond

Two high school boys drowned in a pond in Numazu, Shizuoka Prefecture, after playing in the water with their friends and reportedly stepping into a deep section where they went under.

Kyoto’s Traditional Greeting Ritual Meets Extreme Heat

In Kyoto’s historic Gion district, geisha and maiko made their annual rounds on August 1st—known in the old lunar calendar as "Hassaku"—to express gratitude to their mentors and local teahouse proprietresses, even as temperatures soared to a predicted high of 37°C.

< 2 3 4 5 >