Latest news with #ChinggisKhaanInternationalAirport
Asahi Shimbun
11 hours ago
- Asahi Shimbun
Naruhito, the first emperor to visit Mongolia, tours museum
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako are welcomed at the Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Mongolia on July 6. (Pool) ULAN BATOR—Emperor Naruhito took in the golden statue of the founder of the Mongol Empire and other artifacts at the Chinggis Khaan National Museum here, the first stop of his eight-day trip to Mongolia. Empress Masako is accompanying Naruhito, who is the first emperor to travel to the East Asian country. Naruhito toured the museum on July 7. The facility opened in October 2022 to showcase Mongolia's history and culture spanning from ancient times to the early 20th century. Naruhito also viewed the oldest inscription in the Mongolian language, armor from the Mongol Empire and a saddle decorated with horse teeth, listening to explanations by the museum's director, Chuluun Sampildondov. He appeared particularly interested in horses of Mongolian nomads, according to Chuluun. The emperor asked questions, such as 'Is the body shape of past horses different from that of contemporary horses?' and 'How many kilometers can horses travel in a single day?' In addition, Naruhito asked how Genghis Khan, also known as Chinggis Khaan, secured water while traveling across Asia to build his vast empire in the early 13th century. At a news conference prior to the trip, he said he wanted to deepen understanding of the conqueror of central Asia. The emperor said after the tour that he was able to learn many new things, according to Chuluun. The museum was chosen as the first location Naruhito visited in Mongolia out of respect for the country's history. The imperial couple's visit runs from July 6-13. They are scheduled to meet with Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh and first lady Luvsandorj Bolortsetseg; attend the opening ceremony of Naadam, a national festival dedicated to the country's traditional sports; and lay flowers at a monument memorializing Japanese wartime detainees. Takashi Matsukawa, a professor of Mongol studies at Otani University, said Naruhito's official visit to Mongolia is broadening the scope of imperial diplomacy as he is the first emperor to travel to Asia's inland region. Matsukawa accompanied Naruhito when he was still crown prince on part of his visit to Mongolia in 2007. He said Naruhito observing Naadam, which features three games of horse racing, wrestling and archery, will be favorably received as a sign of his understanding and interest in Mongolia's traditional culture.
The Mainichi
14 hours ago
- Politics
- The Mainichi
Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako arrive in Mongolia, set to visit memorial for Japanese
ULAANBAATAR (Mainichi) -- Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako arrived in Mongolia on July 6, where they will attend welcome events and visit a memorial for Japanese who died in Mongolia after being detained by the former Soviet Union. As state guests, they will attend a welcome banquet hosted by President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh and his wife, as well as other events. They are scheduled to return to Japan on July 13. After a flight of about five hours, the Imperial Couple arrived at Chinggis Khaan International Airport in the suburbs of Ulaanbaatar on the afternoon of July 6, after departing from Tokyo's Haneda Airport aboard a government plane. Upon descending the stairs, they were presented with "aaruul," a traditional dairy confection served as a welcome, which they tasted. They proceeded past the ranks of the honor guard and entered a vehicle. The Imperial Couple told a senior official of the Imperial Household Agency, "We were delighted by the hospitality and enjoyed the treat. It was delicious." This is the first time a reigning Japanese emperor and empress have visited Mongolia. According to the Imperial Household Agency, Mongolia has extended several invitations, including during the 2022 visit of the president and his wife to Japan. Mongolia is a pro-Japan country, with its president, prime minister and other government officials visiting Japan almost every year in recent times. This is the Imperial Couple's third overseas goodwill visit, following trips to Indonesia and the United Kingdom. Former Foreign Minister Taro Kono is serving as the chief accompanying official. During their stay in Ulaanbaatar, the Imperial Couple will also attend the opening ceremony of Naadam, Mongolia's national sports festival, and watch events such as archery and horse racing. They are also scheduled to visit facilities including a school supported by Japan.
Japan Today
a day ago
- Politics
- Japan Today
Emperor, empress begin weeklong visit to Mongolia that will honor POWs
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako walk with Mongolian Foreign Minister Batmunkh Battsetseg, right, after arriving at Chinggis Khaan International Airport near Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on Sunday. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako began a weeklong visit to Mongolia on Sunday during which he plans to honor thousands of Japanese prisoners of World War II who were held under harsh conditions in the country. Naruhito's visit marks the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. In recent years, he has toured some of the places where the bloodiest battles and bombings occurred, including Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Hiroshima. The emperor has said it's part of his effort at atonement and remembrance of the tragedy of war fought in the name of his grandfather, Emperor Hirohito. While the vast majority of Japanese soldiers were taken to Siberia, around 12,000 to 14,000 ended up in Mongolia, which was fighting alongside the Soviets against Japan. Most of the POWs were put to hard labor and construction work for the Mongolian government's headquarters, a state university and a theater that are still preserved in the capital Ulaanbaatar. The prisoners toiled under harsh conditions and scarce food. Japanese records show about 1,700 of them died in Mongolia. 'As we mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the war this year, we should never forget the pain and sorrow of the people,' Naruhito said last week. 'I believe it is important to not forget those who died, deepen understanding of the wartime past and to nurture the peace-loving heart.' Naruhito and Masako are scheduled to meet Mongolia's President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh and his wife and attend a banquet on Tuesday. The couple will also attend the opening ceremony of Naadam, Mongolia's annual festival that focuses on three traditional games of horseracing, wrestling and archery. Naruhito had previously visited Mongolia as crown prince in 2007. Associated Press writer Mari Yamaguchi contributed to this report. © Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Japan Today
a day ago
- Politics
- Japan Today
Emperor, empress begin weeklong visit to Mongolia
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako walk with Mongolian Foreign Minister Batmunkh Battsetseg, right, after arriving at Chinggis Khaan International Airport near Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on Sunday. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako began a weeklong visit to Mongolia on Sunday during which he plans to honor thousands of Japanese prisoners of World War II who were held under harsh conditions in the country. Naruhito's visit marks the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. In recent years, he has toured some of the places where the bloodiest battles and bombings occurred, including Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Hiroshima. The emperor has said it's part of his effort at atonement and remembrance of the tragedy of war fought in the name of his grandfather, Emperor Hirohito. While the vast majority of Japanese soldiers were taken to Siberia, around 12,000 to 14,000 ended up in Mongolia, which was fighting alongside the Soviets against Japan. Most of the POWs were put to hard labor and construction work for the Mongolian government's headquarters, a state university and a theater that are still preserved in the capital Ulaanbaatar. The prisoners toiled under harsh conditions and scarce food. Japanese records show about 1,700 of them died in Mongolia. 'As we mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the war this year, we should never forget the pain and sorrow of the people,' Naruhito said last week. 'I believe it is important to not forget those who died, deepen understanding of the wartime past and to nurture the peace-loving heart.' Naruhito and Masako are scheduled to meet Mongolia's President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh and his wife and attend a banquet on Tuesday. The couple will also attend the opening ceremony of Naadam, Mongolia's annual festival that focuses on three traditional games of horseracing, wrestling and archery. Naruhito had previously visited Mongolia as crown prince in 2007. Associated Press writer Mari Yamaguchi contributed to this report. © Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
a day ago
Japan Emperor, Empress Arrive in Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, July 6 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako on Sunday arrived in Mongolia for a weeklong official visit as state guests. They became the first reigning Emperor and Empress to visit Mongolia. The Emperor visited the country in 2007 when he was Crown Prince. A Japanese government plane carrying the Imperial couple left Tokyo's Haneda Airport earlier in the day and arrived at Chinggis Khaan International Airport near the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar after a flight of about five hours. Ahead of their departure, the Emperor and Empress greeted Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko and others who were at the Tokyo airport to see the Imperial couple off. At the Mongolian airport, as the Emperor and Empress stepped off the ramp of the plane, women in traditional costume offered "aaruul," a traditional Mongolian snack made from milk, for them to taste. After also receiving bouquets of red flowers, the Imperial couple shook hands with Mongolian Foreign Minister Batmunkh Battsetseg, who was there to welcome them, and then proceeded down a red carpet, lined on both sides by honor guards, before getting into a car. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
