6 days ago
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.
