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Emperor, empress return from Britain

11 Comments

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko returned to Japan on Sunday after a 4-day trip to Britain to attend the diamond jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Imperial Household Agency said the emperor showed no ill-effects from his heart bypass surgery three months ago and completed his itinerary with no problems.

During their visit, the emperor and empress attended a luncheon hosted by the queen at Windsor Castle, a banquet hosted by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace, they met Japanese residents in London, and visited the Kyoto Garden in London’s Holland Park.

The emperor also met British citizens who helped with relief efforts and fund-raising activities for the victims of last year's March 11 disaster in Japan.

The Imperial Household Agency said it plans to lighten the emperor's duties for the rest of the year. His next official duty will be a tree-planting ceremony in Yamanashi Prefecture on May 27, NHK reported.

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11 Comments
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Impressive stamina from the Emperor and Empress and the fact that they were so determined to thank us Brits for help last year was much appreciated.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

that tree planting ( May 27 )can wait for a week, you think ? it's not heart transplant surgery, there's no " emergency " there. Let the royal couples have a more relaxed itinerary !!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Britain? Hmm four days too long in my opinion :p

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

The emperor has an official engagement on May 27.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Its a really good question - what are they rushing back for?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

can't they stay a week and relax at least

Then what kind of message would they be sending to their subjects?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Okaeri !

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

That's mean an international trip just 4 days, can't they stay a week and relax at least. Jesus! What did they have to rush back for?

Isn't that entirely consistent with about an average Japanese trip OS?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

That's mean an international trip just 4 days, can't they stay a week and relax at least. Jesus! What did they have to rush back for?

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Four days? Two for the flight over and back; two for dinner and lunch? Give the emperor and empress a break and let them acclimatize to the time zone, at least.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

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