PM Phuc attends Japanese emperor’s enthronement ceremony

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the coronation ceremony  in Tokyo on October 22 (Photo: Kyodo)

Crown Prince Naruhito ascended the throne as the 126th Emperor of Japan on May 1, starting the Reiwa era, following the abdication of his father, Akihito, on April 30.

The coronation ceremony of Emperor Naruhito was joined by a large number of distinguished guests and this is one of Japan’s biggest international events that draw the largest numbers of foreign leaders.

At the ceremony, Emperor Naruhito swore that he will act according to the constitution and fulfill his responsibility as the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people.

He expressed his belief that Japan will further flourish and contribute to the friendship and peace of the international community, and to the welfare and prosperity of human beings through the people’s wisdom and all-out efforts.

The visit by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc takes place in the context that the extensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan is growing steadily and comprehensively, enjoying high levels of political trust. Japan continues to be the most important economic partner, the largest partner in Official Development Assistance (ODA) cooperation, the second largest foreign investor and the third tourism partner and the fourth largest trade partner.

Emperor Naruhito visited Vietnam in 2009 as the Crown Prince. His father, Akihito, was the first Japanese emperor to have visited the country in 2017. This was also his last official tour of a foreign nation before his abdication.

PM Phuc's attendance at the coronation ceremony is of great significance for strengthening cooperation and exchanges between the two countries in the coming time as well as further tightening the sound relations between Vietnam and the Japanese Royal Family.