Prince and Princess Akishino visit the Danube States (11-23 May 2009)

[Elspeth]

Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko are undertaking a visit to Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Romania to mark "Japan-Danube Friendship Year 2009." From 11 to 13 May they are visiting Austria, where Princess Kiko spent part of her youth and where their elder daughter, Princess Mako, vacationed a couple of years ago. This visit is intended to mark the 140th year of bilateral relations between the two countries.

AFP: Japan's Prince Akishino meets Austria's president
Princess brings Japanese tradition to ancient Austrian abbey |Latest celebrity news hellomagazine.com

They are also marking the 140th year of bilateral relations with Hungary during the 16-18 May visit.

http://www.caboodle.hu/nc/news/news_...ash=9b634bf600

The visit to Bulgaria (13-16 May), at the invitation of President Parvanov, marks the 50th anniversary of the restoration of diplomatic relations between the two countries after World War II.

News.bg - Prince and princess Akishino on official visit to Bulgaria

On 18-22 May the couple visit Romania at the invitation of President Basescu, also to mark the 50th anniversary of the restoration of diplomatic relations between Japan and Romania.

Prince akishino and princess kiko to come to romania

The couple will make a stopover in Paris before returning to Japan.