Emperor, empress to make state visit to UK

Wow, nice for Masako to be allowed out every now and then.

The former empress suffered from stress-related illnesses as well. One has to wonder what makes life so hard for a Japanese royal woman ...

This is more symbolic than anything but I'm glad to see more representation of Japan by the royal family.

Good to see them both travelling as a couple. I'm sure the worldly (pre-nuptial) multi-lingual Masako-san will relish the chance to immerse herself in overseas ventures.

And I think that photo sums up what from all accounts is a stifling, rigid, frigid environment in which the royals exist.

That doesn't look like a lecture to me. Rod-straight backs, closed fists on knees knuckles forward, ball gowns, penguin suits and the empty space (don't get too close) isn't the picture of at-ease gentle people.

The former empress suffered from stress-related illnesses as well. One has to wonder what makes life so hard for a Japanese royal woman ...

and Prinncess Megan does not even want to be in the same room as the Queen of England and is now living in Canada.  One has to wonder what makes life so hard for a Western royal woman ...

I think the meeting with Elizabeth will be on whether the Emperor will adopt Harry and therefore Harry will become the crown prince instead of the Emperor's half brother and the son. Multiple problems solved. Meghan can do anime voice overs here.

Yes - Good to see the Empress travel abroad. Waiting for çhipstar to pipe up and say this is all a waste of time.

This comes at a good time for the UK post Brexit as I am pretty sure that travelling along with the Royals will be various Government elements who will be able to sit down on the side and iron out any concerns that Japan may have. More comes out of these visits than photocalls and Dinners.

To see Japanese wear formal Western attire somehow looks really pretentious to me, but the ladies do look lovely. What if foreign royalty showed up wearing kimonos? Matter of fact Japanese ladies are very attractive in Western clothing which is most confusing to foreigners as their mindset and customs are not foreign, behind closed doors the truth is revealed.

Dirk T asks "The former empress suffered from stress-related illnesses as well. One has to wonder what makes life so hard for a Japanese royal woman ..." The answer is the IHA.

Maybe the Japanese Royals might coach their British counterparts a little...

The Emperor and Empress are not representatives of the State. They represent the Japanese people. The State and the People are not one and the same. More creeping back to the 1930s.. Take "state" out of the headline. It's just a visit, not a state visit. I don't debate online, so do whatever you want with my comment. I'll be doing something else.

@kurisupisu

Maybe the Japanese Royals might coach their British counterparts a little...

Errr one word abdication.... I was for it but your comment is the pot calling the kettle black no.

Who is the academic scholar giving the lecture...on what subject? Look who enjoyed it and who did not...very telling. Why was this photo selected?

@N30...: Actually from a UK standpoint this IS a State Visit. Suggest you research what is and isn't defined as one.

Will be good to welcome them to the UK! I suspect a few awards will be bestowed, as if often the case from both sides.

Will be nice to have a state visit that wont include mass demonstartions about the visitor operations in the middle east!

Just make sure Boris doesn't get anywhere near them...

I wonder what choices they have in their lives. I am an an anti-monarchist but do feel some sympathy for those trapped by their situation.

Nice picture. Very elegant. All sitting upright. Healthy look. Bon Voyage.