Receiving Official Visits

Guests on official visits are those whom the government invites and receives with the utmost courtesy, and are formally received by the Imperial Household. Such guests are typically members of a Royal Family from other countries, Heads of Administrative Organs 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.

• 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)