The Emperor of Japan Akihito and Empress Michiko will be visiting India from November 30 to December 6 in an effort to bolster the strategic relationship between India and Japan.
During their week-long visit here, the Emperor and Empress will be visiting Delhi and Chennai. The decision was taken by the Japanese Cabinet today.
The visit will mark further augmentation of ties between both, which commemorated 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations last year, said an official statement.
“I am convinced that, through the visit, existing intimate relations of friendship and goodwill with India will be further strengthened, for which I would like to share my immense pleasure with the people of Japan,” said a statement issued by the Japanese embassy here quoting Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
According to the tentative itinerary issued, the Emperor and Empress will depart arrive Delhi on November 30 and after staying in Delhi for four days will leave for Chennai from where they will return after staying there for two days.
Last month, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had visited Japan, when him along with his wife Gursharan Kaur were hosted a luncheon by the Emperor and Empress, which was an unusual gesture because as per protocol, the royals only meet heads of state.
Prime Minister Singh’s visit also invited sharp statements from Chinese media as the two sides discussed territorial integrity and stability of the region.
