Emperor, empress to visit Indonesia in first state trip

So what do they do for the people of Japan? Are they just a symbol? Big deal.

Unfortunately, they are not free like other Royal families to make decisions at their will they are locked up behind those Royal walls. The previous emperor had to go on the sly and make a public announcement he wanted to step down and forcing the governments' hand with the people of Japan behind him and supporting this desire. It is no fairytale to be a royal family member in this country.

Hope they can discuss with Indonesian leadership why Indonesia now seeks BRICS Membership. Critical issue, G-7 & West clearly key BRICS 'Safe Haven' consideration.

Emperor has bigger fish fry than relaxing on yacht full-time, like helping bring MUCH Needed Peace to World!

"So what do they do for the people of Japan? Are they just a symbol? Big deal."

To many Japanese it IS a big deal.

What do YOU do for Japan?

Agreed, these VERY troubled Global times, NOTHING more important than such Soft Credible Power, Emperor represents so well. We should all pray for his success.

Japan's historical relationship with Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries has had its challenges, particularly during World War II. Past actions or historical grievances could potentially cast a shadow on a visit, sparking discussions or protests related to unresolved issues or wartime history.

ClayToday  11:24 am JST

Agreed, these VERY troubled Global times, NOTHING more important than such Soft Credible Power, Emperor represents so well. We should all pray for his success.

Imagine, heartfelt ethical comment above gets ONLY down-votes. Clearly troubled folks here - NOT NORMAL

So what do they do for the people of Japan? Are they just a symbol? Big deal.

People who disagree with a monarchy are absolutely entitled to their view.

However, the fact remains the Japanese monarchy brings in countless billions of yen into Japan through incoming tourists - just as all royal families around the world do. Their benefit to Japan greatly outweighs their costs.

All the very best to the Royal couple on their first official overseas trip as Emperor and Empress! Indonesians would be honoured to be the first to receive them.

Many do not realize, Muslim population, +2 billion or +25% of world, growing +2x faster than global average.

Japan desperately needs to better connect with this important demographic, that's recently sought out China's leadership to Reconcile Suni and Shia Muslims, while intentionally excluding US to do so.

China's also aggressively recruiting Muslim Countries for BRICS Membership, especially Muslim leadership countries like Indonesia, Saudia Arabia, Iran, Egypt, etc.

Emperor's constructive Muslim Country engagement even more critical in these very dangerous global times.

I guess they are like those diplomats, making trips, discussing things.

Whether a monarchy brings in more tourists id rather disagree. Ive always wanted to visit Japan not due to reasons connected to monarchy.

Wish the Empress was able to speak more. Her story is just sad! Intelligent woman! Japan needs her!

Only China and South Korea, which are conducting anti-Japanese education despite the fact that they signed a treaty after World War II, are the only nations to complain about historical issues.

If there are countries in Southeast Asia that make complaints against Japan at the national level, could you name them? There are no outstanding issues.

Since the Constitution of the Empire of Japan promulgated in 1889, Emperor Akihito has no right to make political decisions. This is due to the advice of the Cabinet. And his responsibility goes directly to the Cabinet.

In recent years, there have been problems with Indonesia in terms of railway construction, etc., so it seems that it is not suitable as a destination for His Majesty the Emperor to visit, but is this also political?

Indonesia is a beautiful country. Building bridges is the way forward. Bon Voyage.

Fighto!Today  12:48 pm JST

> However, the fact remains the Japanese monarchy brings in countless billions of yen into Japan through incoming tourists - just as all royal families around the world do. Their benefit to Japan greatly outweighs their costs.

I may be worng but I've never heard of someone coming to Japan sbecause of the imperial family. Hardly any foreigner know them as they spend most of their time confined within the palace. It's not like the UK royal family, with all the memorabilia associated with it!"

Most Japanese people want to abolish the monarchy, especially after Komuro scandal and various shenanigans from Akishino family (rumored to be Korean).

There's only a pocket of strange ultranationalists in Japan who want to keep the monarchy. Most of them are fiercely pro-LDP and pro-American. I would not be surprised if they are under payroll from the Unification Church. Kishida still refuses to take down the ruling Korean cultists!

＠Septim Dynasty

Where the hell did you read that bogus news?

Please also see the reports so far that only the Japanese Communist Party wants the abolition of the Japanese Imperial Family.

More than 50,000 people participate in the official New Year's greetings every year, except during the corona period.

And even if you take a survey, only communists want the imperial family to be abolished.

Unlike the royal families of other countries, the Japanese imperial family is extremely popular.

Come down to New Zealand.

We would love to Host You.