The Imperial FamilyFostering friendly relations with foreign countriesReceiving Official Guests
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 An Audience
(Take-no-Ma (Audience Room), Imperial Palace) (Photo:Imperial Household Agency) |
There are two types of Official Visits: Kouhin and Koushiki-jitsumu-houmon-hinkyaku. Guests on Official Visits (Kouhin) are those whom the government invites and receives with the utmost courtesy, and are formally received by the Japanese Government. Such guests are typically members of a Royal Family from other countries, Heads of Government or equally High-Ranking Officials. The decision to invite and receive them is made with the approval of a Cabinet Meeting. The details of the reception by the Imperial Family are determined in accordance with the individual guests. Guests on Official Visits (Koushiki-jitsumu-houmon-hinkyaku) are typically foreign Heads of State, members of a Royal Family, Head of Government 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, and the details of the reception are determined in accordance with the individual guests.
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