Japan's Emperor, Empress attend banquet in Amsterdam

Japanese imperial couple attended state banquet at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam on Wednesday. Their Royal Highnesses Princess Catharina-Amalia, Princess Ariane, Princess Beatrix, Princess Margriet and Princess Laurentien are also present during the official photo.

Emperor Naruhito then delivered his speech. He noted that exchanges between Japan and the Netherlands have continued uninterrupted since they began in 1600, even during the period when Japan was taking an isolationist foreign policy.

He added that this was the result of the exceptional dedication and efforts of both governments and their people. The Emperor and the Empress would stay in the Netherlands until Saturday before leaving for their next destination, Belgium.