Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako granted audiences on Wednesday.
Emperor Naruhito, accompanied by Empress Masako, received two foreign dignitaries at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. The Emperor, who serves as Japan’s Head of State, regularly meets with visiting guests during their stay in Japan while on official business.
The Imperial Couple first received the Speaker of the Senate of Canada and Senator for Manitoba, The Honourable Raymonde Gagné, accompanied by Mr Daniel Boudet, around 4:30 pm at the Imperial Residence.
As Japan and Canada approach the centenary of diplomatic relations, the Speaker of the Senate said, “I hope to further develop our relationship of mutual trust”, according to the Imperial Household Agency.
During the 20-minute discussions, the Emperor and Empress expressed their condolences following the recent destructive Canadian wildfires, as well as their gratitude for support after the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Their Majesties then received the Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia, The Honourable Stephen Gageler, accompanied by Mrs Carla Gageler, in audience. The Emperor spoke of his memories of visiting Australia in 1974 as his first foreign trip.
The Chief Justice noted that more than 1 million people from Australia visit Japan annually.
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