Japanese royal couple to visit India in November

TOKYO: Japanese Emperor Akihito and his wife Empress Michiko will visit India later this year to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries.


"Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko will visit India for about a week from November 30 after Japan and India marked last year the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties," Japanese news agency Kyodo reported on Tuesday.

The visit, at the Indian government's invitation, will be the first by the couple to the country since the emperor's ascension to the throne in 1989, it said quoting a statement issued by the Japanese Government.

The two countries have yet to finalise the schedule for the tour but the couple are expected to visit Delhi and Chennai before returning home December 6.

"They will attend a banquet and other ceremonies while meeting with President Pranab Mukherjee," it said, adding that the Imperial Household Agency is making efforts to ensure the trip does not put a strain on the couple, as the emperor turns 80 this year and his wife, who suffers from backache, is 79.