Crown Prince, Princess Akishino visit Vietnam to mark 50-year diplomatic ties

Japan's Crown Prince and Princess Akishino have started their trip to Vietnam to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties between Japan and Vietnam.

The couple left their home in Tokyo on Wednesday morning. Their younger daughter, Princess Kako, sent them off.

At Haneda Airport, they were greeted by Upper House President Otsuji Hidehisa and other officials before boarding a government plane. The airplane took off for the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi.

They are making their first official visit to the country in 24 years.

Thursday marks the 50-year anniversary of bilateral relations. The couple will attend a ceremony to celebrate the milestone year after being treated to a reception at the presidential office.

The Crown Prince and Princess will stay in Vietnam until Monday. They are scheduled to watch the premiere of an opera jointly produced by the two countries as one of the commemorative events.

They will also promote goodwill through exchanges with Vietnamese people, including those with connections to Japan.

Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230920_11/