List of Overseas Visits by the Emperor, Empress and Imperial Family (2009 - 2018)

2009

Date Name Country Comments
February 9 - February 15 His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince Viet Nam Visit to foster friendly relations at the invitation of Viet Nam
March 14 - March 20 His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince Turkey Visit to attend the 5th World Water Forum at the invitation of the Turkish Government and the forum steering committee
May 10 - May 23 Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino Austria,
Bulgaria,
Hungary,
Romania		 Visits to foster friendly relations on the occasion of the Japan-Danube Friendship Year 2009 at the invitation of Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania
June 11 - June 22 Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Hitachi Peru,
Bolivia		 Visits to foster friendly relations on the occasion of the 110th anniversary of Japanese emigration at the invitation of Peru and Bolivia (Visit to the Netherlands and France)
June 27 - July 13 Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado France,
Monaco,
Egypt,
United Kingdom		 Visits to attend the ceremony for the installation of a monument of the Prince Takamado Visitors' Center in Egypt, to attend the celebrations commemorating the 800th anniversary of the establishment of University of Cambridge in the U.K., and to observe the state of overseas nations
July 3 - July 17 Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress Canada,
United States (Hawaii)		 Visits to foster friendly relations at the invitation of Canada, and to foster friendly relations on the occasion of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Crown Prince Akihito Scholarship Foundation, the State of Hawaii
August 21 - August 27 Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino The Netherlands Visit to foster friendly relations on the occasion of the opening of the commemorative events of the 400th anniversary of the trade relationship between Japan and the Netherlands at the invitation of the Netherlands
September 18 - September 28 Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Hitachi France,
Germany		 Visits to attend the events related to the Praemium Imperiale in Germany and to observe the state of overseas nations

2010

Date Name Country Comments
March 6 - March 15 His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince Ghana,
Kenya		 Visits to foster friendly relations at the invitation of Ghana and Kenya (Visit to the United Kingdom and Italy)
March 22 - March 30 Her Imperial Highness Princess Ayako United States Official trip (Kinugasa Research Organization, Ritsumeikan University)
March 23 - March 28 His Imperial Highness Prince Akishino,
Her Imperial Highness Princess Mako		 Laos Visit to attend the opening ceremony of the Mobile Museum Exhibition “Laos; The Art of Farming” of the University Museum, the University of Tokyo, and to engage in research on domestic poultry (Visit to Thailand).
May 1 - May 5 His Imperial Highness Prince Tomohito of Mikasa Turkey Visit to attend the Celebration Ceremony of the Japanese-Turkish Friendship for Japan Year 2010 in Turkey at the invitation of Turkey
June 17 - June 21 His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince Sweden Visit to attend the wedding ceremony of Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden at the invitation of Sweden
June 20 - June 26 Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado South Africa Visit to observe the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa and to observe the state of overseas nations
June 30 - July 6 Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado Finland Visit to foster friendly relations at the invitation of Finland
July 4 - August 15 Her Imperial Highness Princess Mako Ireland Visit to participate in the Study English Abroad Program of the International Christian University (while in her first year at the International Christian University) (Visit to the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland))
July 7 - July 12 Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko Turkey Visit to attend the conferment ceremony of an honorary doctorate from Ankara University, to attend the dedication ceremony for the Japanese Institute of Anatolian Archaeology of the Middle Eastern Culture Center (Museum of Archaeology Kaman Kalehoyuk), and to observe archaeological monuments
July 7 - July 14 His Imperial Highness Prince Tomohito of Mikasa Turkey Visit to attend the conferment ceremony of an honorary doctorate from Ankara University, to attend the dedication ceremony for the Japanese Institute of Anatolian Archaeology of the Middle Eastern Culture Center (Museum of Archaeology Kaman Kalehoyuk), and to observe archaeological monuments
July 8 - July 15 Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Hitachi Monaco Visit to attend the opening ceremony of the Japan exhibition "Kyoto-Tokyo, from Samurai to Manga" at the invitation of Monaco (Visit to France)
August 17 - August 26 Her Imperial Highness Princess Ayako Canada Visit to attend the Welfare, Culture and Environment Training (overseas) of Josai International University (While in her second year at Josai International University)
October 8 - October 16 Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko United States Official trip (Kinugasa Research Organization, Ritsumeikan University)

2011

Date Name Country Comments
January 14 - January 21 Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko Austria Visit to observe the 19th interski Congress in St. Anton (Visit to Switzerland)
January 24 - February 1 Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino Costa Rica Visit to foster friendly relations to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Japan and Costa Rica at the invitation of Costa Rica (Visit to the United States)
January 28 - March 30 Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko United Kingdom Official trip (Kinugasa Research Organization, Ritsumeikan University)
March 8 - March 11 His Imperial Highness Prince Akishino Thailand Visit to attend the conferment ceremony of honorary doctorates from Kasetsart University and Chiang Mai University
March 30 - April 5 Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko United States Official trip (Kinugasa Research Organization, Ritsumeikan University)
May 26 - June 1 Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko United Kingdom Visit to attend the graduation ceremony of the University of Oxford
June 21 - June 25 His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince Germany Visit to foster friendly relations to celebrate 150 years of relations between Japan and Germany at the invitation of Germany
July 6 - July 14 Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Hitachi United Kingdom Visit to attend events related to the Praemium Imperiale in the U.K. and to observe the state of overseas nations
August 20 - August 29 Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko Sweden,
Estonia		 Official trip (Kinugasa Research Organization, Ritsumeikan University)
August 29 - September 13 Her Imperial Highness Princess Ayako Canada Visit to participate in "Overseas Activities 1" of Josai International University (While in her third year at Josai International University)
October 26 - October 27 His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince Saudiarabia Visit to pay condolences on the demise of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud of Saudi Arabia
November 5 - November 24 Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko United Kingdom Official trip (Kinugasa Research Organization, Ritsumeikan University)/td>

2012

Date Name Country Comments
March 25 - March 31 Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Hitachi Tonga Visit to attend the funeral of His Majesty King George Tupou V of Tonga (Visit to New Zealand)
May 16 - May 20 Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress United Kingdom Visit to attend a luncheon in commemoration of the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the invitation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
May 30 - June 6 Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko Germany,
Poland		 Visit to Germany to engage in research into Japanese art and official trip to Poland (Hosei University Research Center for International Japanese Studies)
June 11 - June 17 Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino Uganda Visit to foster friendly relations to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Japan and Uganda at the invitation of Uganda (Visit to the United Kingdom and France)
June 20 - June 21 His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince Saudi Arabia Visit to pay condolences on the demise of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Naif bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud of Saudi Arabia
June 25 - July 1 His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince Thailand,
Cambodia,
Laos		 Visits to foster friendly relations at the invitation of Thailand, Cambodia and Laos
August 16 - August 23 His Imperial Highness Prince Akishino Vietnam Visit to engage in research into culture relating to domestic poultry and livestock
August 24 - July 1, 2013 Her Imperial Highness Princess Mako United Kingdom,
France,
Italy,
the Vatican,
the Netherlands		 Short-term study abroad (University of Edinburgh, Scotland)
October 9 - October 22 Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko France Official trip (GINKAKU Jisho-ji, Kenshu Dojo)
October 18 - October 21 His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince Luxembourg Visit to attend the wedding ceremony of His Royal Highness Prince Guillaume, The Hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg at the invitation of Luxembourg
November 27 - November 29 His Imperial Highness Prince Akishino Thailand Visit to receive an honorary doctorate from Thammasat University and to attend the 15th Animal Science Congress of the Asian-Australasian Association of Animal Production Societies

2013

Date Name Country Comments
February 3 - February 5 His Imperial Highness Prince Akishino Cambodia Visit to attend the funeral of His Majesty Norodom Sihanouk, King Father of Cambodia
March 5 - March 8 His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince United States Visit to attend the United Nations Special Thematic Session on Water and Disasters
April 28 - May 3 Their Imperial Highnesses the Crown Prince and Crown Princess the Netherlands Visit to attend the investiture ceremony of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands at the invitation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
June 7 - June 11 Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado Sweden Visit to attend the wedding ceremony of Her Royal Highness Princess Madeleine of Sweden at the invitation of the Kingdom of Sweden
June 10 - June 16 His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince Spain Visit to foster friendly relations to celebrate the 400th Anniversary of Japan-Spain Relations at the invitation of Spain
June 15 - June 23 Her Imperial Highness Princess Ayako Canada Visit to engage in research relating to welfare (as part of studies at the Graduate School of Josai International University)
June 18 - June 25 Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado Canada Visit to attend the Birdlife International World Conference and to observe the state of oveseas nations
June 19 - June 30 Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino Croatia,
Slovakia,
Slovenia		 Visit to foster friendly relations to celebrate the 20th anniversary of establishment of the diplomatic relations at the invitation of Croatia and Slovakia, and to celebrate the previous year's 20th anniversary of establishment of the diplomatic relations at the invitation of Slovakia(visit to Austria)
July 17 - July 21 Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko Singapore Visit to attend events relating to the introduction of Japanese traditional culture
August 3 - September 4 Her Imperial Highness Princess Kako United States Visit (During first year at Faculty of Letters, Gakushuin University)
August 19 - August 23 Her Imperial Highness Princess Tsuguko Sri Lanka Visit to observe traditional events and the state of overseas nations at the invitation of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
September 1 - August 10, 2015 Her Imperial Highness Princess Ayako Canada,
United States,
Thailand,
Singapore,
United Kingdom,
France,
Belgium,
The Netherlands,
Germany		 short-term overseas study (Camosun College, Canada)
September 3 - September 9 Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado Argentina Visit to attend events to commemorate friendly relations between the Japan Football Association and the Argentina Football Association
September 4 - September 14 Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko Chile Visit to foster friendly relations at the invitation of the Republic of Chile (Visit to France, Argentina and the United States)
October 8 - November 2 Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko France,
United Kingdom		 Visit (Kinugasa Research Organization, Ritsumeikan University and Ginkaku Jisho-ji Kenshu Dojo)
November 30 - December 6 Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress India Visit to foster friendly relations at the invitation of the Republic of India
December 9 - December 11 His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince South Africa Visit to the Republic of South Africa to attend the national memorial services for His Excellency Mr. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Former President of the Republic of South Africa .

2014

Date Name Country Comments
January 25 - February 5 Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino Peru,
Argentina		 Visit to foster friendly relations at the invitation of the Republic of Peru on the occasion of the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Republic of Peru and at the invitation of the Argentine Republic to commemorate 50 years since the immigration agreement between Japan and the Argentine Republic came into effect (Visit to France and Australia)
April 23 - April 30 Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko Turkey Visit to attend the “Memorial Concert for His Imperial Highness Prince Tomohito of Mikasa” and to observe the ancient sites of Turkey
June 17 - June 23 His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince Switzerland Visit to foster friendly relations at the invitation of the Swiss Confederation on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Switzerland
June 18 - June 24 Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado Brazil,
Colombia,
France		 Visit to observe the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil tournament in Brazil, to attend an event of the International Kyudo Federation in France and to observe the state of overseas nations
June 27 - July 8 Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino Zambia,
Tanzania		 Visit to foster friendly relations at the invitation of the Republic of Zambia on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and at the invitation of the Republic of Tanzania (Visit to the Republic of South Africa and the United Kingdom)
July 14 - July 22 Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Hitachi France Visit to attend events relating to the Imperial Highness the Prince Takamatsu Memorial International Culture Award and to observe the state of overseas nations
July 20 - July 27 Her Imperial Highness Princess Tsuguko Vietnam Visit (Japan Committee for UNICEF)
September 17 - September 29, 2015 Her Imperial Highness Princess Mako United Kingdom Study abroad (University of Leicester Doctoral College, England）
September 30 - October 10 Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino Guatemala
Mexico		 Visit to foster friendly relations at the invitation of Guatemala Visit to foster friendly relations to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Hasekura Diplomatic
December 11 - December 13 Her Majesty the Empress Michiko Belgium Visit to attend the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Fabiola of the Belgians.

2015

Date Name Country Comments
January 25 - January 26 His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince Saudi Arabia Visit to pay condolences on the demise of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al Saud of the Saudi Arabia
April 8 - April 9 Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress Palau Visit to mourn and pay tribute to those who died in the war, to pray for world peace, and to foster international goodwill in the 70th year after the end of the war
June 11 - June 15 Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado Sweden Visit to attend the wedding ceremony of His Royal Highness Prince Carl Philip of the Kingdom of Sweden at the invitation of Sweden
July 2 - July 6 Their Imperial Highnesses the Crown Prince and Crown Princess Tonga Visit to attend the coronation of His Majesty King Tupou VI of Tonga at the invitation of Tonga
October 10 - October 15 Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado Poland Visit to attend the opening screening of “Japan Day” at the 31st Warsaw Film Festival and to observe the state of overseas nations
October 27 - November 10 Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino Brazil isit to foster friendly relations on the occasion of the 120th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations at the invitation of Brazil. (Visit to Germany)
November 9 - November 16 Her Imperial Highness Princess Ayako Sweden Visit to participate in “Overseas Case Studies ” relating to welfare. (Currently studying at the graduate school of Josai International University)
November 17 - November 21 His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince United States Visit to attend the Second United Nations Special Thematic Session on Water and Disasters and the final meeting of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation (UNSGAB)
December 2 - December 12 Her Imperial Highness Princess Mako El Salvador
Honduras		 Visit to foster friendly relations on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with El Salvador and Honduras, at the invitation of El Salvador and Honduras respectively. (Visit to the United States)

2016

Date Name Country Comments
January 19 - January 25 Her Imperial Highness Princess Mako United Kingdom Visit to attend the graduation ceremony at the University of Leicester Doctoral College, England
January 26 - January 30 Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress Philippines Visit to foster friendly relations on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations at the invitation of the Philippines
January 31 - February 4 Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Hitachi France Visit to attend the Charter of Paris against Cancer Awards Ceremony
April 28 - May 2 Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado Sweden Visit to attend celebratory events to commemorate the 70th birthday of His Majesty the King of Sweden at the invitation of Sweden
May 10 - May 17 Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino Italy Visit to foster friendly relations on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Italy at the invitation of Italy (Visit to Vatican City)
May 20 - May 26 Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko Spain
United Kingdom		 Academic Trip (Global Exchange Organization for Research and Education, Gakushuin University)
July 29 - August 2 Her Imperial Highness Princess Yohko United States Visit to foster friendly relations on the occasion of the 7th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics and the 1st International Conference on Inclusive Design
July 29 - August 2 Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado Netherlands Visit to attend events celebrating the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the International Kyudo Federation
September 6 - September 16 Her Imperial Highness Princess Mako Paraguay Visit to foster friendly relations on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Japanese immigration to Paraguay at the invitation of Paraguay (Visit to Germany and Brazil)

2017

Date Name Country Comments
February 28 - March 6 Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress Viet Nam Visit to foster friendly relations at the invitation of Viet Nam (Visit to Thailand).
April 13 - April 17 His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince Malaysia Visit to foster friendly relations to commemorate celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Malaysia at the invitation of Malaysia.
May 30 - June 3 Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko Switzerland Visit to attend an event introducing Asian Arts.
May 31 - June 8 Her Imperial Highness Princess Mako Bhutan Visit to foster friendly relations at the invitation of Bhutan (Visit to Singapore).
June 15 - June 21 His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince Denmark Visit to foster friendly relations to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Denmark at the invitation of Denmark.
July 5 - July 11 Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado Ireland Visit to attend an event on Japanese Art exhibition commemorating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Ireland (Visit to Luxembourg).
July 11 - July 19 Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko United Kingdoms Academic Trip (Global Exchange Organization for Research and Education, Gakushuin University)
July 13 - July 18 Her Imperial Highness Princess Ayako Canada Visit to attend the ceremony to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden in the City of Lethbridge, and to visit Camosun College.
August 18 - August 23 His Imperial Highness Prince Akishino Hungary Visit to research and observe indigenous livestock and the museum collections and exhibits.
August 19 - August 23 Her Imperial Highness Princess Mako Hungary As above
September 25 - October 4 Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino Chile Visit to foster friendly relations to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Chile at the invitation of Chile (Visit to Germany).
October 26 - October 27 Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino Thailand Visit to attend the funeral of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand.
November 5 - November 10 Her Imperial Highness Princess Tomohito of Mikasa The Netherlands Visit to attend the JCI (Junior Chamber International) World Congress Amsterdam and reception.

2018

Date Name Country Comments
March 16 - March 22 His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince Brazil Visit to attend the 8th World Water Forum at the invitation of the Government of Brazil and the forum steering committee (Visit to the United States)
June 4 - June 9 Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino United States (Hawaii) Visit to attend the 150th anniversary ceremony of Japanese immigration to Hawaii and to attend the Convention of Nikkei and Japanese Abroad
June 11 - June 21 Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko United States Academic Trip (International Centre of Gakushuin University)
June 18 - June 26 Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado Russia Visit to observe the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia tournament and attend the Russia-Japan Kyūdō Kōryū Embu-Kai and Seminar
July 17 - July 31 Her Imperial Highness Princess Mako Brazil Visit to foster friendly relations on the occasion of the 110th anniversary of Japanese immigration to Brazil at the invitation of Brazil (Visit to Germany and the United States)
July 22 - August 9 Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko United Kingdom Visit to participate in the 23rd Eton College Summer School, a summer overseas educational program of Gakushuin Girls’ Junior & Senior High School
September 7 - September 15 His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince France Visit to foster friendly relations on the occasion of the 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and France at the invitation of France
September 8 - September 14 Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko Turkey Visit to attend the commemorative ceremony of the Prince Mikasa Foundation
September 10 - September 14 Her Imperial Highness Princess Tsuguko Timor-Leste Business Trip (Japan Committee for UNICEF) (Visit to Indonesia)
September 18 - September 26 Her Imperial Highness Princess Tomohito of Mikasa Italy Visit to attend the opening ceremony of the 2018 annual meeting of the Italian Research Association for Japanese Studies (Visit to Vatican City)
October 23 - October 28 Her Imperial Highness Princess Akishino Netherlands Visit to attend the 49th Union World Conference on Lung Health
December 12 - December 15 His Imperial Highness Prince Akishino Thailand Visit to attend the conferment ceremony of an Honorary Doctorate from Mahasarakham University
December 12 - December 15 Her Imperial Highness Princess Akishino Thailand Visit to attend the 11th Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Handbook International Conference
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