Japanese royal couple greeted with warmth as they embark on official trip to strengthen ties with the UK

Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako have arrived in the UK ahead of their official state visit, landing at Stansted Airport in Essex on Saturday afternoon. The couple, smiling as they disembarked in the sunny weather, are expected to spend seven days in the UK, with their visit focused on fostering friendly relations between Japan’s imperial family and the British royal family.

A Japanese Foreign Ministry official clarified that the visit would not be politically focused, but aims to strengthen cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer are both scheduled to attend the state banquet at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday evening, a highlight of the visit, which comes just ahead of the final TV debate of the UK’s election campaign.

Emperor Naruhito, who holds the title of ruler of the Chrysanthemum Throne, and Empress Masako will engage in a series of private meetings before the formal state visit begins on June 25.