Imperial couple leave for UK

Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako departed for an eight-day state visit to Britain on Saturday.

This is the Imperial couple's second state visit to a foreign country since Emperor Naruhito was enthroned in 2019. Invited by King Charles, they will attend a welcoming ceremony and banquet at Buckingham Palace, and the Emperor will visit Windsor Castle to honor Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

The visit, initially planned for 2020 but postponed due to the pandemic, includes a trip to the University of Oxford before they return to Japan next Saturday.