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Japan Forward
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Japan Forward
An Imperial Week in Photos: Emperor and Empress Conclude Historic Mongolia Trip
On July 11, Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended the opening ceremony of Naadam, Mongolia's largest national festival. They watched traditional archery events and participated in shagai , a game in which animal bones are flicked with the fingers to hit a target. When Empress Masako successfully hit a high-scoring target, the audience erupted in applause. Empress Masako playing shagai, a traditional game in which animal bones are flicked at a target — afternoon of July 11, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. On July 12, Their Majesties observed the festival's main event: horse racing. They applauded enthusiastically as children rode horses across the course. His Majesty also took photographs with his personal camera. Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress tour the information center at Hustai National Park — afternoon of July 12, Töv Province, Mongolia. Later that day, the Emperor and Empress visited Hustai National Park to observe a herd of Przewalski's horses, considered the world's oldest breed of wild horse. They were invited to name a foal. Emperor Naruhito chose "Tomo" (Friend), while Empress Masako chose "Ai" (Love). Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress observe Przewalski's horses at Hustai National Park — afternoon of July 12, Töv Province, Mongolia. On July 13, the imperial couple concluded their 8-day trip with a meeting with President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh at the presidential residence. That evening, they returned to Japan aboard the government aircraft. Upon arrival, they were warmly welcomed by Crown Prince Fumihito, Crown Princess Kiko, and officials. The couple exchanged friendly words with those who came to greet them. After their return, Their Majesties released a statement reflecting on the trip: "We sincerely hope that the friendship and cooperative relationship between Japan and Mongolia will continue to deepen." Although His Majesty had previously visited Mongolia in 2007 as Crown Prince, this was their first visit as a couple. They described the journey as a "very memorable experience." Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress depart from Chinggis Khaan International Airport — afternoon of July 13, outskirts of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. (©Sankei by Kazuya Kamogawa) They also spoke about their visit to a memorial for Japanese internees who were held in Mongolia by the Soviet Union after World War II. His Majesty remarked, "It reminded us of the importance of never forgetting those who perished in the war, deepening our understanding of the past, and fostering a spirit that cherishes peace." On July 14, Emperor Emeritus Akihito, father of the current emperor, was admitted to the University of Tokyo Hospital. He began a new treatment for asymptomatic myocardial ischemia and related conditions. Empress Emerita Michiko accompanied him. According to the Imperial Household Agency, doctors have prescribed a new oral medication to ease the strain on his heart. His condition will be closely monitored through tests such as electrocardiograms as physicians adjust the dosage. On July 11, Crown Prince Fumihito, Crown Princess Kiko, and their family visited the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum in Meguro Ward. They viewed the exhibition Hiroshima 1945 , which marks 80 years since the atomic bombing. The exhibition featured around 160 photographs, including images taken shortly after the bombing by news agencies and others. Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko, with their second daughter Princess Kako and son Prince Hisahito, view the "Hiroshima 1945" exhibition — morning of July 11, Tokyo Photographic Art Museum, Meguro Ward, Tokyo. While viewing a photo taken near the hypocenter, Prince Fumihito remarked, "The blast must have been extremely powerful." According to a museum guide, their second daughter, Princess Kako, also reflected, "I could sense the inner conflict the photographers must have felt as they took these pictures." On July 15 and 16, Princess Kiko visited Miyagi Prefecture to attend several events, including the 61st National Convention for Promoting Blood Donation. On July 16, she visited the Akiu Kagayaki Support School in Sendai City, where she visited Doma Café, a space designed for interaction and learning between students and local residents. She also toured the Tohoku History Museum in Tagajo City. On July 15 in Sendai City, Crown Princess Kiko speaks with students at Doma Café of Miyagi Prefectural Akiu Kagayaki Support School. Later that day, she attended the national blood donation convention at Sendai Sunplaza Hall. In her remarks, she stated, "To ensure a stable supply of blood in the future, it is important for younger generations to understand and participate in blood donation." Also on July 14, Princess Hisako attended the 38th Advanced Technology Award for Pioneering Originality ceremony, held at the Meiji Kinenkan in Minato Ward, Tokyo. The award recognizes outstanding achievements by students in science and engineering, as well as by young corporate researchers. Her Imperial Highness offered words of praise to the recipients. On July 14 at Meiji Kinenkan in Moto-Akasaka, Tokyo, Princess Hisako delivers remarks at the 38th Advanced Technology Award ceremony. (©Sankei by Takumi Kamoshita) ( Read the article in Japanese . ) Author: Masashi Nakamura and Tomomi Yoshizawa, The Sankei Shimbun
Japan Forward
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Japan Forward
Emperor Naruhito Calls for Global Cooperation on Water Access at UN Session
On July 8, His Majesty Emperor Naruhito delivered a video message at the 7th United Nations Special Thematic Session on Water and Disasters. The event was held at the UN Headquarters in New York. Speaking in English, His Majesty emphasized, "Access to safe drinking water and sanitation requires various forms of cooperation and partnerships between many peoples from the past to the present." Watch the English video message. The Emperor introduced examples such as traditional water diversion systems used in Japan since the Edo period. He also mentioned the erosion control technology center he visited in Indonesia in 2023, using supporting materials and photographs. He went on to say, "As global warming progresses and humanity faces floods, droughts, and water stress, I believe that we all need to realize the potential of cooperation and partnerships at various levels and need to take action." With this, he underscored the urgency of addressing climate change-related challenges such as floods and droughts. Water issues have long been a central focus of His Majesty's academic work. As Crown Prince, he delivered a keynote speech at a UN special session on the subject. He has continued to participate in related events through video and online messages. During his recent visit to Mongolia, he toured the Gachuurt Water Source Project, a key supplier of water to the capital, Ulaanbaatar. ( Read the article in Japanese . ) Author: The Sankei Shimbun
The Mainichi
15-07-2025
- Politics
- The Mainichi
Japan emperor, empress describe trip to Mongolia as 'truly memorable'
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako on Sunday described their visit to Mongolia as "truly memorable" as they concluded a trip aimed at affirming the two nations' enduring friendship and commemorating war victims. "We were able to directly feel the rich history and culture of Mongolia, as well as its natural wonders," they said in a statement released by the Imperial Household Agency, recalling the first state visit to Mongolia by a Japanese emperor. During their eight-day trip, held in a year marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the imperial couple paid their respects to Japanese nationals who died in internment camps in Mongolia after the war. "We prayed for the souls of the deceased who were unwillingly separated from their home and thought about the hardship they faced," they said. After the war, the Soviet military transferred around 14,000 of the approximately 575,000 Japanese prisoners of war held in Siberia to Mongolia, where they were made to work on infrastructure projects for about two years. More than 1,700 are believed to have died. The emperor and empress laid flowers and observed a moment of silence at a memorial established by the Japanese government on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar on Tuesday. It was the first time an emperor honored the memory of Japanese victims at an overseas internment site. At a banquet hosted the same day by Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh and his wife in Ulaanbaatar, the emperor joined a musical performance by traditional horsehead fiddle players with his viola. The imperial couple also attended Naadam, Mongolia's largest annual festival, on Friday. "We have deepened our understanding of the progress of the friendship that has been fostered over many years through the visit," the imperial couple said, expressing their appreciation for being warmly welcomed by the government and the people of Mongolia. "We expect young people to further deepen their mutual interest and play significant roles (in advancing bilateral ties)," they also said. Sandwiched between China and Russia, Mongolia established diplomatic relations with Japan in 1972. The two countries have maintained close ties since the landlocked nation began democratization and economic liberalization in 1990. The imperial couple waved farewell as Mongolian officials saw them off at Chinggis Khaan International Airport. They returned to Tokyo's Haneda Airport later Sunday.
Japan Forward
15-07-2025
- General
- Japan Forward
An Imperial Week in Photos: Emperor and Empress in Mongolia for Historic Visit
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." Emperor Naruhito views exhibits at the Chinggis Khaan National Museum — Morning of July 7, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. (©Sankei by Kazuya Kamogawa) He later visited the Ulaanbaatar Water Supply and Sewerage Authority and the Gachuurt Water Source Project, which supplies water to the capital. Emperor Naruhito arrives at the Gachuurt water reservoir facility — Afternoon of July 7, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. 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." Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako speak with bereaved family members after offering flowers at the memorial for Japanese war dead — Afternoon of July 8, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. 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. Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako wave alongside President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh and First Lady Luvsandorj Bolortsetseg in front of the statue of Chinggis Khaan at Sukhbaatar Square — Morning of July 8, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako speak with three former yokozuna from Mongolia during the welcome ceremony — Morning of July 8, Ulaanbaatar, 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. His Majesty Emperor Naruhito performs on the viola during the state banquet — Afternoon of July 8, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. 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. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visit Ulaanbaatar's School No 149 and view the ICT classroom — Afternoon of July 9, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. 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. 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." Crown Prince Fumihito presents an award certificate to a recipient at the 27th Japan Water Prize ceremony — Afternoon of July 8, National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan), Koto Ward, Tokyo. (©Sankei by Naoki Aikawa) Crown Prince Fumihito speaks with recipients of the 27th Japan Water Prize — Afternoon of July 8, National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan), Koto Ward, Tokyo. (©Sankei by Naoki Aikawa) 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. ( Read the article in Japanese . ) Author: Masashi Nakamura and Tomomi Yoshizawa, The Sankei Shimbun
The Diplomat
14-07-2025
- Politics
- The Diplomat
Japanese Emperor Naruhito's Visit to Mongolia Emphasizes ‘Special Strategic Partnership'
The Japanese monarch's first state visit to Mongolia acknowledged the past while looking toward the future of the two democracies' ties. Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako just wrapped up an 8-day visit to Mongolia at the invitation of the Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa. Naruhito's historic state visit to Mongolia envisaged a special partnership between the two countries at the highest level of government. For Tokyo and Ulaanbaatar, the emperor's visit has robust historic, diplomatic, and symbolic implications for the two countries' relations moving forward. Welcoming the visit, Mongolia's Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh told The Diplomat, 'This first state visit of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako has a historical significance that will deepen the friendly relations between Mongolia and Japan, strengthen the friendship and camaraderie between the peoples, which have become the 'cornerstone' of relations, and be engraved in golden letters in the history of relations.' Khurelsukh and Naruhito previously met in 2019, when Khurelsukh attended the Japanese emperor's enthronement ceremony. Naruhito had previously visited Mongolia as a crown prince in 2007 during Enkhbayar Nambar's presidency. This state visit, however, was both more ceremonial and more symbolic. Historical Reconciliation Naruhito's visit – only his third trip overseas since assuming the throne – held profound symbolism this year, which commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. To Mongolia and Japan, which fought against each other in the war, historical remembrance and diplomacy go hand in hand. On July 8, the emperor and empress visited the memorial for Japanese prisoners of war (POWs) in Mongolia. According to the National Archives of Mongolia, during World War II approximately 12,000 Japanese forced laborers were sent to the Mongolian People's Republic (MPR) from the Soviet Union, particularly Siberia. According Mongolia's Institute of Strategic Studies, 'Mongolia's records indicated 12,318 POWs in total [sent to Mongolia] and 1,621 deaths whereas Japanese records stated 13,847 POWs and 1,684 deaths.' Shuzo Yamada, an a 107-year-old former internee who helped build the foundations of the modern Sukhbaatar Square, commented on the visit. According to Japanese media, he said that 'he is glad that the Emperor and Empress will pay their respects and people will become aware of the internment in Mongolia.' In 1966, before Japan and Mongolia had even formally established diplomatic ties, the first group of Japanese delegates paid their respects at a cemetery for the Japanese forced laborers. Sites commemorating the POWs have been visited by Japanese Prime Ministers Kaifu Toshiki, Koizumi Junichiro, and Abe Shinzo; the official memorial for the Japanese POWs was built in 2001 by the Mongolian and the Japanese governments. On Japan's part, the consistent visit of Japanese delegations to historical sites acknowledges an era of warfare, as well as serving as a mechanism to move toward the future. Imperial Japan's historical atrocities often face controversy in East Asia, and reconciliation has been a way for Japan to navigate both regional and global affairs. Japan's moves to reconcile and recognize historical atrocities are thus geopolitically relevant. Deepening of Bilateral Ties Beyond history, Naruhito's state visit contributed to Japan-Mongolia diplomatic and cultural ties. The monarchs visited Ulaanbaatar's water supply and sewage facility, Shine Mongol High School, and attended the opening ceremony of Mongolia's Naadam festival. The emperor's visit thus shed a light on cooperative elements of the partnership between Mongolia and Japan. In 2022, Mongolia and Japan commemorated their 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties by upgrading their relations to a Special Strategic Partnership. The Special Strategic Partnership serves as a robust bilateral foreign policy framework to foster people-centered cooperation in fields such as education, health, engineering, and environment. The partnership will be implemented within the 10-year Action Program of the 'Special Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity' between Ulaanbaatar and Tokyo. At the same time, given the current escalation of regional security concerns, Mongolia and Japan's Special Strategic Partnership cannot afford to overlook defense and security cooperation. Hence, a strong Japan-Mongolia partnership is also strategically motivated. Ulaanbaatar's 'third neighbor' foreign policy supports its export access to Indo-Pacific. In 2022, a Japan-Mongolia-U.S. trilateral meeting took place in Tokyo and all three parties reiterated the mutual commitment to democracy, peace, and security of the open Indo-Pacific region. As Japan's position becoming ever more relevant in East Asia and the Indo-Pacific, expanding that trilateral mechanism is crucial. In East Asia, defense spending continues to rise and this trend includes Mongolia and Japan. The two countries' defense and security relations have augmented in recent years as well. Japan's Self-Defense Forces have been instrumental in international field rehearsals such as Capacity Building Program, King Search 2022, and Khaan Quest of Mongolia. Japanese forces help provide training in military medicine, engineering, and emergency evacuation exercises. Mongolia and Japan also cooperate in joint drills to provide medical assistance under Mongolia's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) disaster relief management. Nicholas Millward, the director for the Yokosuka Council on Asia-Pacific Studies stated, 'In the East Asia context, the partnership with Japan, a major regional power, provides Mongolia with access to state-of-the-art defense technologies that will bolster its defense infrastructure without aligning itself with any military alliance. This ensures that Mongolia can maintain its independent foreign policy while benefiting from the security enhancements provided by the agreement.' Future Outlook Mongolia and Japan's special strategic bilateral relations carries global and regional implications. Enhancing trilateral mechanisms – not only between Japan, Mongolia, and the United States but Japan-Mongolia-South Korea – has benefits for both Ulaanbaatar and Tokyo. That said, under its multipillared foreign policy, Mongolia will continue to avoid joining any blocs but rather seek to establish robust bilateral and trilateral mechanisms. Naruhito and Masako's state visit augmented Japan-Mongolia bilateral relations on the historical, diplomatic, and cultural levels. The historic visit to Mongolia promulgates these intangible but observable nuances at the highest level of government. Japan's ambassador to Mongolia, Igawahara Masaru, predicted that the visit of the emperor and empress 'will open a new chapter in the relationship between Japan and Mongolia.' Cooperation with continue with Mongolia's hosting of COP17 of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification next year. The upcoming event was a particular focus for Masako, who has a deep personal interest in environmental and climate change issues and often calls for regional cooperation in this area. Naruhito expressed that Japan would send a high-level representative to COP17. In the face of rising regional instability, Ulaanbaatar and Tokyo will work to uphold democratic and peaceful foreign policies. The Japanese monarch's first state visit to Mongolia enabled the deepening of Mongolia and Japan's Special Strategic Partnership and emphasized a greater diplomatic symbolism that recognizes the past while establishing a sustainable path for future relations between the two government and two societies.
