Receiving Official Working Visits

Distinguished guests on Official Working Visits are typically foreign Heads of State, members of a Royal Family, Head of Administrative Organs or equivalent, who are visiting Japan mainly for practical and/or business matters. When such people make known their wishes to visit Japan, the Japanese Government considers the purpose of the visit and, with the approval of a Cabinet Meeting, may decide to officially invite and receive them as distinguished guests. These guests are also received by the Imperial Family, the details of the reception are determined in accordance with the individual guests.

• Distinguished guests from overseas such as State Guests, official guests
  (1989 – 1998)
• Distinguished guests from overseas such as State Guests, official guests
  (1999 – 2008)
• Distinguished guests from overseas such as State Guests, official guests
  (2009 and later)