Published on
23/06/2026 - 19:33 GMT+2
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan are making a two-day state visit to Belgium on 23 and 24 June to mark 160 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
According to the Belgian diplomatic service, the visit is taking place "under the sign of friendship and cooperation in many fields" and aims to highlight the close ties between the Belgian Royal Family and the Japanese Imperial Family.
The visit also carries a broader political message. Belgium and Japan share "similar values, visions and interests", including support for the international order based on the rule of law, peace and security, and efforts to combat climate change. It added that, in a world marked by instability, the two countries want to underline their "crucial and lasting cooperation to face common threats".
