Photo/Illutration Emperor Naruhito, left, speaks with Fusae Suzuki, right, whose father died in captivity in Mongolia in the aftermath of World War II, on July 8 near Ulan Bator. (Pool)

ULAN BATOR—During their official visit to Mongolia, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited a memorial on the outskirts of the capital on July 8 to pay tribute to approximately 1,700 Japanese who died in detention there following World War II.

Amid steady rain, the couple laid a floral wreath and observed a minute of silence at the monument.

An estimated 600,000 Japanese soldiers and civilians were detained by the Soviet Union in the immediate postwar years, resulting in many being forced into labor camps across Siberia and other regions. At least 55,000 died from hunger, cold and disease.

Approximately 14,000 were sent to Mongolia–then a Soviet ally–where they endured harsh conditions and more than 10 percent died in captivity.

The memorial was erected by the Japanese government in 2001.

This marks the first time an emperor has visited an overseas site commemorating individuals who died in detention following Japan’s defeat in 1945.

Before leaving the site, Naruhito turned to Masako and said, “Shall we bow once more?” Then they both offered another respectful bow toward the monument.

Earlier in the day, the imperial couple attended an official welcoming ceremony at Sukhbaatar Square in central Ulan Bator, where they were received by Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh and first lady Luvsandorj Bolortsetseg.

The event was also attended by senior Mongolian officials and three former sumo grand champions of Mongolian descent—Asashoryu, Hakuho and Harumafuji.

The imperial couple later held talks with the president and first lady. Mongolia's leader expressed deep gratitude for Japan’s longstanding aid projects, stating that the Mongolian people will never forget the various forms of support Japan has provided.

“My wife and I are very much looking forward to learning more about Mongolia’s history, society and culture during this visit,” Naruhito responded.

In the evening, Naruhito and Masako attended a state banquet hosted by the president. 

The emperor also played his viola with Mongolia’s national "morin khuur" (the country's traditional two-stringed fiddle) orchestra in a cultural exchange performance that showcased a piece from each country and was met with enthusiastic applause.

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