Video footage taken on June 19 at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo shows Emperor Naruhito holding a news conference ahead of his state visit to Britain later in the month. (Provided by the Imperial Household Agency)

Photo/Illutration Emperor Naruhito will visit Britain for the first time since attending the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. (Koichi Ueda)

Emperor Naruhito addressed the media on June 19, emphasizing the value of international friendships ahead of his upcoming state visit to Britain.

During the news conference at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Naruhito reflected on the historical ties between Japan and Britain, saying, “Through this visit, I hope to contemplate the history of exchanges that have developed between our countries.”

Naruhito and Empress Masako will embark on an eight-day trip on June 22.

Despite earlier speculation that it would be postponed because of the British general election on July 4, the state visit will proceed as scheduled.

Following his official visit to Indonesia last June, this marks Naruhito’s second international trip since ascending to the throne in 2019, excluding his visit to London in 2022 for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.

At the news conference, Naruhito emphasized the significance of learning about the past, particularly the regrettable conflicts between the two countries during World War II, and stressed the importance of nurturing a love for peace.

The emperor highlighted the deepening cooperative relationship between Japan and Britain today, acknowledging the efforts made over the years by the people of both nations to heal the wounds of war.

Both Naruhito and Masako have personal connections to Britain, having studied at the University of Oxford earlier in their lives.

The emperor mentioned rereading his research papers from his time there, noting how they vividly bring back memories of his student days.

The couple plan to revisit the university during the trip.

Naruhito also expressed hope that younger generations in Japan would continue to engage with the world.

“I hope they foster international friendships through studying abroad and other opportunities,” he said, adding that staying in another country for an extended period is an invaluable opportunity to gain a new perspective on one’s own country.

(This article was written by Shoko Rikimaru and Ayako Nakada.)



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