Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako to visit Europe

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan will pay respective state visits to Europe this summer.

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will pay respective state visits to Europe this summer, following approval and a formal announcement from the Cabinet. The visits come after repeated invitations were sent from the sovereigns of both countries.

The imperial couple will be hosted as state guests by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands from 13-20 June. The Emperor and Empress will arrive in Amsterdam from Haneda Airport on 13 June aboard a government plane. Following their Dutch stop, the Emperor and Empress will continue to Belgium as state guests of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium from 20-26 June. The year 2026 celebrates the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Kingdom of Belgium.

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will attend various welcoming ceremonies, state banquets, and visits to the respective parliaments and war memorials. Further details will be shared in due course. Former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will accompany Their Imperial Majesties.

Furthermore, Dr Yutaka Ono, the Empress’s personal physician, will also accompany the imperial couple.

This will be the Emperor and Empress’ fourth state visit for the purpose of international goodwill since their enthronement, following Indonesia (June 2023), the United Kingdom (June 2024), and Mongolia (July 2025). This will also be the first trip in 24 years that the imperial couple have visited more than one country consecutively since New Zealand and Australia in 2002.

There has been no confirmation yet regarding Princess Aiko’s attendance.

The Royal News Organisation will keep you up to date with any developments for this summer.