Spanish Monarchs Begin State Visit to Japan

The King and Queen of Spain officially began their state visit to Japan on Wednesday, with a traditional welcoming at the Tokyo Imperial Palace by Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko.

Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako, and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe were also present at the welcoming.

In the afternoon, King Felipe and Queen Letizia visited the National Museum of Science and Innovation to see projects that have been developed between Spanish and Japanese scientists. They were greeted by a child-sized robot.

Emperor Akihito hosted a gala banquet for 150 guests at the Palace on Wednesday evening. In his speech at the banquet, King Felipe said that the upcoming 150th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two countries (in 2018) should be used as an “opportunity to further boost our rich bilateral relationship and to strengthen the agreement between Hispano-Japanese in the multilateral arena.”

Queen Letizia wore a midnight blue ballgown from Felipe Varela that features crystal embellishments on the skirt and bodice. Atop her head was the Spanish Floral Tiara. Empress Michiko wore an oyster-coloured silk evening gown with a matching chiffon cape, while Crown Princess Masako looked fabulous in a baby blue evening gown and her pearl and diamond tiara.

Cena ofrecida por los Emperadores. Visita de Estado de los Reyes a Japón. https://t.co/eK23YdgT7q pic.twitter.com/QE3G8RbYLh

— Casa de S.M. el Rey (@CasaReal) April 5, 2017

DIAMONDS & PEARLS #CrownPrincessMasako of #Japan attend #gala for King & Queen of #Spain at #ImperialPalace #royals pic.twitter.com/9ccBQDu31K

— Kjell Arne Totland (@TV2KjellArne) April 5, 2017

Filed under Japan, Spain
Tagged Bilateral Relations, Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan, Crown Princess Masako of Japan, Emperor Akihito of Japan, Empress Michiko of Japan, Felipe VI of Spain, Prime Minister Abe of Japan, Queen Letizia of Spain, State Visit, Technology.