national

Emperor, empress to visit Britain for Queen Elizabeth's diamond jubilee

41 Comments

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© Copyright AFP

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

41 Comments
Login to comment

Typo should be Emperor :)

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@nec123a Japan and the UK are democracies with a system of government based on a constitutional monarchy. The Japanese Royal Family are going to the UK to represent Japan at the celebration of the Queen`s Diamond Jubilee.You are entitled to your views about Republicanism, but it has no bearing whatsoever on this subject. The cost would still be the same if a future President Ozawa was visiting President Cameron. I know what I would prefer. Long may the present Emporer and the Queen reign. They are very welcome in UK.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

well written those who protest this expensive visit of one outdated expensive abstract to another. Governments have better ways to waste our money surely. What is the point of these people?

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

@ManBearPig probably less than the residents of Tokyo pay for Ishihara`s junkets.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

In ye olden days its people like you who would have cheered when the king beheaded republicans.

Maybe.

But be careful what you wish for. Yes, granted I will admit that the current version of the royals is perceived as a bit less perhaps dignified as they might have been perceived in the past. And yes the Monarchy historically is riddled with incompetence, lunacy and just poor decision making. And yes, certainly it is an institution that is a drain on the economy. So why keep it around then? I'm actually an American, so I have no stake in the matter. But a good number of my friends are English. Perhaps sometimes it takes an outsider looking in to see a reason where a Republican such as yourself might not. I do realize that in this day and age things like national pride and pride in one's heritage is an old-fashioned thing. But having traveled around England, and having so many English friends, there is a spirit, pride and way about them that I see in the folks of Britain that you really don't see anywhere else. Yes, it's becoming diluted with too much foreign immigration, but it's still there. The pomp, ceremony and set ways of doing things may seem a waste of time and resources to those who only choose to look at it that way. But if you look at it historically, and look at the fabric of what it means to be British - and what makes the nation so great, despite the fact that the years of empire are long gone - it centers around that system of Monarchy. It might be archaic, but it's part of the national fabric and identity. If you remove it I don't think Britain would be nearly what it still remains in stature, and being British would not hold the meaning that it does.

Sorry, not explaining it very well and likely sound an utter loon. No, it's not easy to comprehend when you're struggling to make ends meet that it's important to have some old lady in a castle somewhere. But it is. Given a few more hours and a half dozen more cups of coffee I could likely put this all much more eloquently.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

So, how much is this trip costing me, a taxpayer in Japan?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

It's easy to suggest that former POWs of the Imperial Japanese military should forgive and forget, without having been through what they have ourselves. I would hope that I would be able to find it in my heart to forgive if I had been in their shoes, but fortunately I won't have to find out. If those that are still alive can find it in their hearts to forgive, then I applaud them, but I'm not going to fault them if they can't or won't.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

**but if you're either a foreign transplant or a hater because you cannot make it economically

Tigermoth, Im neither of the above, but I am British. Are British republicans not entitled to their views? Are they all haters? should they be put in the tower of London? You seem to think the defining characteristic of the UK is the monarchy. I say its fair play (not that it always happens) and democracy. My right to wish for an elected head of state doesnt make me, or the 30% of the UK population who agree, a hater. You are absolutely right, Tourism == GBP. But its the buildings they come to see, not the actual royal family (please tell me how many visitors to the UK actually see the royal family members) and getting rid of them wont affect tourism to the UK. In ye olden days its people like you who would have cheered when the king beheaded republicans.

As a republican Im glad the Emporer and his wife are visiting the UK, it can only deepen ties of the 2 countries. If people turn their backs it will be an embarassment, but Im sure the heads of state will get over it. I dont think the war verterans 90+ will turn out i any numbers I think its more likely it will be Frugacis and his pals. however, thats their right as British CITIZENS to peacefully protest. Live and let live you monarchists. Let democracy decide.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

People will turn their backs again. It'll be an embarrassment.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I hope they have a wonderful time, welcome to England!

2 ( +2 / -0 )

I am glad that the the Emperor & The Empress are coming to visit H.M The Queen...God save the Queen & Banzai!!

7 ( +7 / -0 )

I was waiting on someone coming up with a Republican rant. Rather a royal figurehead than a corrupt president or loony dictator.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Here, here Fadamor. And besides that, if it weren't for the pageantry and historic architecture built by English royalty tourism to London and the UK in general would likely be a mere fraction. It is a beautiful country to be sure, but many decide to visit precisely so they can see Buckingham Palace, etc. Tourism = Pounds Sterling. And investment in the Monarchy is worth it's weight in gold.

I would go on about how the unifying factor and traditions of the Royal Family are immensely important to the fabric of the people of Great Britain in so many other ways - but if you're either a foreign transplant or a hater because you cannot make it economically then you wouldn't care to listen anyway.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

That there is such gluttonous celebration of hereditary privilege on the Thames while people in London can't afford to feed themselves or their families and live on the streets is a grotesque farce.

Surely you're not suggesting that people in London who "can't afford to feed themselves or their families and live on the streets" have been placed in that condition because Britain has a figurehead Matriarch? I dare you to name ANY country (that isn't the size of a city) - regardless of government, leadership, or figurehead - that doesn't have unemployed homeless people. Where is your moral outrage over the "gluttonous celebration" that occurs over 50 MILLION TIMES MORE EACH YEAR when someone has a birthday party in England? The combined annual gluttony in those birthday parties makes this once-in-a-lifetime Diamond Jubilee celebration look like a faster's diet.

Feel free to turn your back, but do so in shame.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

I'll be on the Southbank demonstrating with Republic. This whole crass spectacle is an insult to the people of this country who are suffering the recession and the most sadistic cuts in generations. That there is such gluttonous celebration of hereditary privilege on the Thames while people in London can't afford to feed themselves or their families and live on the streets is a grotesque farce.

I'll be turning my back on the lot of them, and it's not because of the war.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

I hope they have a safe journey. Not sure why, but they both look so ill and fragile, especially when compared to Queen Liz. Even foot-in-mouth Philip seems more genki, despite being in his 90's.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

I'm glad the Emperor is visiting the UK but I really do hope he gets treated with respect.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Meh. Doctors say he's fine to travel to Britain, so who ae we to say he hasn't recovered enough? And please don't relate the story of your uncle's third cousin who had heart bypass then died on a trip. No two people's conditionas are exactly alike, so leave the distant relatives out of it.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Nice to know the Emperor and Empress will be visiting. Also looking forward for some Prince Philip gaffes! :)

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Zichi, indeed. I wish they would change the rules and let him retire. Who ARE these people anyway and why do they get the job of telling the royal family what to do? Are their jobs passed down as well from generation to generation? They really are the puppet masters of it all.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I hope not and that the visit can be a symbol of the excellent relationship between our two countries.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Poor not as in money. Poor as in this guy doesn't have a life and has been working like a dog. He's 78, in poor health. Let him retire.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Two thumbs down for suggesting this poor, elderly man and his wife actually get some time off??

0 ( +3 / -3 )

"diamond jubilee"

Sounds expensive.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Oh For God's sake leave these two alone and let them retire already! These royal trips are going to be the death of him. Change the rules and let his son take over! No way should a man in his condition be jetting around the country the way he does, let alone the world.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Readers, please stay on topic, which is the emperor and empress attending the queen's diamond jubilee.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

60 years of waving to the public. Where would Britain be without her?

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

Emperor Akihito (I believe) does a lot to change the aggressive view of Japan,

The nation that's adamant about conquering 25% of world's landmass finds Japan 'aggressive'? I am so worried

I've not seen any indications of this kind of wish from Emperor Akihito, the subject of this article.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

thats their only purpose entertainment and parties.

-8 ( +0 / -8 )

Well said, Zichi. Any WW2 vets still around must be pushing 90, I doubt if they're in a fit state to protest anyway. When a UK royal (forget which one- Charles maybe) attended Hirohito's funeral, Brits were very upset. He pointed out that he was doing so out of respect for the millions of Japanese born since 1945, who have nothing to do with the war (their dads and ojiichans are another matter...) - actually it may have been the Duke of Edinburgh, though that seems unlikely. But yes, it's a long trip for two frail old folk, I guess they and Madge can compare ailments.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Emperor Akihito (I believe) does a lot to change the aggressive view of Japan,

The nation that's adamant about conquering 25% of world's landmass finds Japan 'aggressive'? I am so worried.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

Great .. and who's going to pay for this bill? We i presume?!

-9 ( +1 / -10 )

A small but vocal minority in Britain say Japan has not made full recompense for its treatment of combatants.

that's a strange way of saying how an Asiatic startup nation wrecked the British Empire within 3 years.

-8 ( +0 / -8 )

I'm glad to hear that the Emperor and Empress will be making this visit. It will be good for relations between Japan and the UK.

I hope, like bookowls, that there won't be any protesters this time. People can protest if they wish, but the Emperor has no involvement with the issue of reparations. He is a symbol of Japan, but UK-Japanese relations have gone far, far beyond the issue of the conduct of the last war.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

They could have easily said no due to quite reasonable health reasons. But after major heart surgery the Emperor is going to the UK to honor the Queen rega. That in itself should send a big message to the world.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Great news. I really hope this works out for the Imperial Couple.

It must be a real mission for a couple of their respective ages to travel like this - 12 hours to London.

They could have sent their son, but they decided to go themselves.

This will be great. The Imperial Couple represent the oldest dynasty on the planet. I'm sure there will be oodles of mutual respect.

Great news. :-)

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Bon Voyage - hopr it is a succesful trip. Also hope it isn't spoiled by needless demo's by ex-POW's. Emperor Akihito (I believe) does a lot to change the aggressive view of Japan, and is probably the first royal at Prince or above to not take a miliatary title. Is turning backs on him the same as Jewish POW's turning backs on Angela Merkl? Symbolic, but not really relevant.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Let's hope the old soldiers in the UK don't turn their backs on them again this time! War is never pleasant, but forgiveness can give birth to new life!

6 ( +11 / -5 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites