An Imperial Week in Photos: Emperor and Empress in Mongolia for Historic Visit
Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako meet with President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh and First Lady Luvsandorj Bolortsetseg — Morning of July 8, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
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On July 6, Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako departed from Haneda Airport aboard a government aircraft for an official visit to Mongolia. They arrived in Ulaanbaatar later that day.
On July 7, His Majesty visited the Chinggis Khaan National Museum, which presents the history of Mongolia from ancient times to the present. Reflecting on the visit, he remarked, "It was very insightful to learn about the systems of governance, the role of horses, and methods of securing water, among other topics."
He later visited the Ulaanbaatar Water Supply and Sewerage Authority and the Gachuurt Water Source Project, which supplies water to the capital.
Honoring the War Dead
On July 8, Their Majesties offered flowers at a memorial honoring Japanese citizens who were detained and died in Mongolia following World War II. After a moment of silence, the heavy rain that had been falling since morning stopped. The Emperor and Empress closed their umbrellas, approached the memorial once more, and quietly observed a second moment of silence.
Their Majesties spoke with Ms Fusae Suzuki, 88, whose father died while being detained in Mongolia by the Soviet Union in the years immediately following the war.
Emperor Naruhito gently said, "It is truly heartbreaking what happened to your father." When Ms Suzuki expressed her determination to pass down the memory of this tragedy to future generations, Their Majesties encouraged her, saying, "Please take care of yourself, and thank you for your efforts."
Ceremonies and Cultural Exchange
Later that day, Their Majesties attended a series of official events as state guests, including a welcome ceremony at Sukhbaatar Square in central Ulaanbaatar. This included a meeting with President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh and First Lady Luvsandorj Bolortsetseg at the Government Palace, and a state banquet hosted in their honor.
At the welcome ceremony, they also had a friendly exchange with former sumo grand champions Asashoryu, Hakuho, and Harumafuji, all originally from Mongolia.
At the state banquet, His Majesty remarked, "I hope that the seeds of cooperation sown across this vast land, passed down from our predecessors, will blossom into many flowers." He also performed with Mongolia's Morin Khuur Symphony Orchestra, playing pieces including Hamabe no Uta ("Song of the Seashore") on the viola.
Educational and Medical Institutions
On July 9, the Emperor visited the Mongol Kosen Technical College, which was established based on Japan's system of technical colleges. In the afternoon, together with the Empress, he visited Ulaanbaatar's School No 149, where they interacted with students. They later toured the Mongolia–Japan Hospital and expressed appreciation to doctors who had studied in Japan.
On July 10, Emperor Naruhito observed a Japanese language class at the Shine Mongolia School, an integrated educational institution that incorporates elements of Japanese-style education. Praising the students, he said, "I am truly pleased to see you pursuing your studies with such strong aspirations."
He then visited Gandantegchinlen Monastery, a major center of Mongolian Buddhism, where he attentively viewed statues of Kannon and other Buddhist figures.
Crown Prince Fumihito's Engagements
On July 8, Crown Prince Fumihito visited the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) in Tokyo's Koto Ward to attend the 27th Japan Water Prize award ceremony. As honorary president of the Japan Water Prize Committee, he spoke with high school students who received the top award for their efforts to preserve aging agricultural irrigation systems, telling them, "It is a very encouraging achievement for those who rely on this water."
Princess Hisako's Engagements
On July 6, Princess Hisako attended the finals of the Prince Takamado Trophy All Japan Junior High School English Oratorical Contest, held in Tokyo. The next day, she visited Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, touring pavilions from countries including Finland and Poland.
On July 8, she attended the National Day celebration for Qatar. The next day, she participated in the Healthy Heart Symposium in Tokyo, where she stated, "There is an increasing need to promote awareness and prevention of heart disease across all generations." Princess Hisako serves as honorary president of both the Japan AED Foundation and the Japan Heart Foundation, co-organizers of the symposium. On July 10, she celebrated her 72nd birthday.
RELATED:
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- An Imperial Week in Photos: Preparing for Mongolia and More Expo Visits
- Emperor Naruhito's Remarks Ahead of His Mongolia Visit
- Emperor Naruhito's Reflections on Mongolia and International Goodwill
Author: Masashi Nakamura and Tomomi Yoshizawa, The Sankei Shimbun
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