Emperor Naruhito's Remarks Ahead of His Mongolia Visit

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Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako departed for their official visit to Mongolia as State Guests on July 6. A few days earlier, on July 2, Emperor Naruhito held a press conference at the Shakkyo-no-Ma drawing room in the Imperial Palace to discuss his hopes.

The following is an unofficial English translation of His Majesty's remarks. Subheadings have been added for readability.

Part 1 of 2

First Visit as Emperor

We are deeply honored to have received an invitation from the Government of Mongolia. I am very pleased to be visiting the country together with Empress Masako.

We had the pleasure of welcoming President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh and the First Lady to the Imperial Palace in 2022. Since attending a morin khuur [horsehead fiddle] concert together, we have received several kind invitations from them. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Mongolia for their gracious invitation."

Memories from First Visit

This will be my second visit to Mongolia since my first in 2007. On that occasion, I was warmly welcomed by the Mongolian people. I had the honor of attending the opening ceremony of Naadam, the country's largest annual celebration, and was guided by then-President [Nambaryn] Enkhbayar through the festivities. These included traditional wrestling, archery, and horse racing — all of which I enjoyed very much.

I was also deeply impressed by Mongolia's magnificent natural landscapes, the traditional gers [nomadic dwellings], and the lives of people coexisting with horses and sheep.

During this upcoming visit, I look forward once again to attending the opening ceremony of Naadam with President Khurelsukh and the First Lady, and to watching the competitions. I also anticipate visiting Hustai National Park, home to the Przewalski's horse, and experiencing the majesty of Mongolia's natural environment firsthand. Additionally, I hope to observe how the country has changed since my last visit in 2007.

With these reflections in mind, I would like to discuss some key points that I am especially interested in during this visit to Mongolia.

*Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress are welcomed by Japanese residents upon arriving at a hotel in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on July 6. (Pool photo)*

Historical Ties

First, through this visit, I hope to reflect on the long history of interaction between Japan and Mongolia. The historical relationship dates back to the 13th century, during the time of the so-called Mongol invasions. I recall visiting Kyushu during a university seminar on medieval Japanese history and seeing the defensive walls built in preparation for the Mongol forces — then known as the Yuan Dynasty — as well as burial mounds for Yuan soldiers.

Furthermore, just two years ago, I had the opportunity to view the "Moko Shurai Ekotoba" (Illustrated Account of the Mongol Invasions), a picture scroll vividly depicting those events from the Kamakura period, together with Masako and Aiko, at an exhibition held at the Sannomaru Shozokan in the Imperial Palace.

While the relationship with the Yuan is often remembered through such images of conflict and invasion, there was also active exchange, such as the movement of Zen monks between the two countries. For example, the distinguished Zen monk Yishan Yining was entrusted with a state letter by Temür Khan of Yuan and came to Japan in 1299. He resided at Kencho-ji and Engaku-ji temples in Kamakura, mentored disciples, and significantly influenced the development of Zen culture in Japan.

Active Exchanges

In terms of trade, it is known that in 1278 — between the two Mongol invasions — Kublai Khan of Yuan granted permission for trade with Japan, and trade between the two countries flourished in the 14th century. As a student of medieval Japanese history, I find it particularly interesting to learn that there were active exchanges of people and goods even during this turbulent period.

Moreover, Genghis Khan, the founder of the Mongol Empire, has long been a subject of fascination in Japan. He has been depicted as a heroic figure in novels, and there has even been a theory suggesting that he and Minamoto no Yoshitsune were the same person.

I hope this visit will serve as an opportunity to deepen our understanding of him further. Receiving this kind invitation to visit Mongolia for the purpose of friendship and goodwill feels, in some respects, like a continuation of the historical ties I have studied.

*Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress toast with Mongolian President Khurelsukh at a banquet on July 8, Ulaanbaatar. (Pool photo)*

Ongoing Relationship

Today, Japan and Mongolia enjoy active exchanges in a wide range of fields, such as human resource development, manufacturing, and healthcare. For example, in 2007, there were approximately 1,100 Mongolian students in Japan. That number has more than quadrupled in the past 20 years.

Mongolian-born sumo wrestlers such as Hoshoryu and Kirishima are also active in Japan. I have also heard that members of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers are making significant contributions in Mongolia. I am pleased to see that these people-to-people exchanges are contributing to the development of bilateral cooperation.

With these long-standing ties in mind, I look forward during our visit to meeting with a broad range of individuals including the President and First Lady, members of the Japanese community in Mongolia, and Mongolian people with connections to Japan, and to hearing their perspectives on the history and current state of our bilateral relations.

Strengthening Cooperation

I also hope that this visit will help to further promote exchange between the younger generations of our two countries and foster deeper mutual understanding and friendship in the years to come.

One of our destinations will be the Mongol Kosen College of Technology, which I understand is the first of its kind to be established outside Japan based on the Japanese model of Kosen (technical colleges). I am also looking forward to engaging directly with students and children at the Shine Mongol School, which incorporates Japanese-style education, and at Ulaanbaatar's School No 149, which was established with Japanese support.

In preparation for the visit, Masako and I have been talking about my previous experience in Mongolia and listening to experts on the country. While paying close attention to her health, she is also eager to visit Mongolia, keeping in mind the long-standing ties between our peoples. She hopes to deepen friendship and goodwill between our nations by directly experiencing Mongolia's natural beauty, history, and culture, and by meeting its people.

80 Years After the War, Reflecting on Peace

During the last great war, many precious lives were lost across the world, and countless individuals endured great hardship and sorrow. It is deeply painful to consider this. I believe it is essential to remember those who lost their lives, to deepen our understanding of history, and to foster a spirit that values peace.

It is said that approximately 14,000 Japanese detainees were transferred to Mongolia during the postwar Siberian internment, and around 2,000 of them, sadly, lost their lives. At the same time, it is also said that the detainees contributed significantly, even under harsh conditions, to the construction of buildings such as government offices and the National Opera and Ballet Theatre — structures still in use today — and that they earned the respect of the Mongolian people.

During my previous visit, I was deeply impressed by the grand National Opera and Ballet Theatre near Sükhbaatar Square in central Ulaanbaatar. Later, I learned from Shiba Ryotaro's Mongol Travelogue that this building was constructed by Japanese prisoners of war during the last war. I reflected on the hardships they must have faced in the harsh, bitter cold. I also vividly remember meeting Mr Yukio Kasuga, who, despite having been interned in Mongolia, went on to run an orphanage for Mongolian children.

Paying Tribute

During this visit, I would also like to offer flowers at the memorial for deceased Japanese nationals. I hope to reflect upon history and pay heartfelt tribute to those who lost their lives far from home, thinking deeply of their suffering and sacrifice.

Author: The Sankei Shimbun and JAPAN Forward

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