Press Conference on the occasion of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress visit to Kingdom of the Netherlands and Kingdom of Belgium (2026)

＜Japanese＞

June 11, 2026
Shakkyo-no-Ma (Drawing Room), Imperial Palace

Press Conference on the occasion of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress visit to Kingdom of the Netherlands and Kingdom of Belgium

(Imperial Household Agency Press Club)

Question 1 Please tell us your aspirations for your visit to the Netherlands and Belgium. Please also share your memories and impressions from your past visits to these countries, bearing in mind the long-standing friendship between the Imperial Family and the Royal Families of both countries. This will also be the first time in 24 years that Their Majesties have toured two countries together. How is Her Majesty the Empress’s health? As this will be an extended stay, please tell us of any special preparations you are making or matters to which you are paying particular attention.: Answer 1

I am very pleased that, at the invitation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Kingdom of Belgium, I am able to visit both countries together with Masako. Masako and I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Governments of the Netherlands and Belgium for this invitation.

There was an unfortunate period during which relations between the Imperial Family and the Royal Families of the Netherlands and Belgium were severed due to World War II, but a long-standing friendship has existed between them over many years.

With regard to the Netherlands, Their Majesties the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita deepened a warm relationship over many years with Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix, then Queen of the Netherlands, and laid the foundation for the friendly relationship that exists today between the Imperial Family and the Royal Family of the Netherlands. In 1991, then Queen Beatrix visited Japan as a State Guest, and in 2000, marking the 400th anniversary of Japan-Netherlands exchanges, Their Majesties the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita visited the Netherlands as State Guests. Each occasion contributed greatly to the promotion of friendly relations between our two countries.

For my own part, on my first private visit to the Netherlands while studying in the United Kingdom, I was met at the airport by then Crown Prince Willem-Alexander, who was still a teenager at the time. That was my first meeting with His Majesty King Willem-Alexander. I well remember thinking, “What a tall man he is.” In 2002, I had the honor of attending the wedding of Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and Crown Princess Maxima, and in the summer of 2006, my family, including our then four-year-old Aiko, was kindly invited by Queen Beatrix to spend some quiet time at Het Oude Loo. While we were there, we were able to spend a great deal of enjoyable time together as families, joined by the then Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and Crown Princess Maxima’s two-year-old eldest daughter, now Crown Princess Catharina-Amalia, and their younger daughter, Princess Alexia. Through the thoughtful consideration of Queen Beatrix, Crown Prince Willem-Alexander, and Crown Princess Maxima, the family of the then Crown Prince of Belgium, now His Majesty King Philippe, as well as Their Royal Highnesses Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, were also invited to a dinner, creating an opportunity for our family to deepen our friendships.

I also worked together with King Willem-Alexander on water issues, when, as Crown Princes, we each served as Honorary President and Chair, respectively, of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation.

In 2013, I attended the investiture ceremony of King Willem-Alexander together with Masako, and we were able to join in the celebration together. Their Majesties the King and Queen attended my own Ceremony of Enthronement in 2019, which was a source of great gratitude and joy to us. More recently, when His Majesty the King visited Japan last May to attend Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, I met with him at our residence together with Masako and Aiko.

With regard to Belgium, Their Majesties the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita maintained a close relationship over many years with Their Majesties the late King Baudouin and Queen Fabiola, and with King Albert II and Queen Paola. In 1993, Their Majesties the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita visited Belgium as State Guests, and in 1996, then Their Majesties King Albert II and Queen Paola visited Japan as State Guests, further deepening the exchange between the Imperial Family and the Belgian Royal Family.

I am the same age as the current King Philippe, and I have had many opportunities to meet him ever since I visited Belgium while studying in the United Kingdom. In 1999, I was invited to the wedding of then Crown Prince Philippe and attended together with Masako, where we also met the now Queen Mathilde for the first time. We have continued to enjoy a close relationship with the King and Queen ever since. In 2016, marking the 150th anniversary of friendship between Japan and Belgium, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde visited Japan as State Guests, and they also attended my own Ceremony of Enthronement in 2019, which, as with the King and Queen of the Netherlands, was a source of joy and gratitude to us. During last year’s Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid, King Philippe’s sister, and her husband visited Japan in June, and I met with them at our residence, together with Masako and Aiko.

Bearing in mind these close exchanges between the Imperial Family and the Royal Families of both countries, I would like to talk about what I am particularly interested in during my upcoming visit to the Netherlands and Belgium.

First, through this visit, I would like to reflect on the history of friendly exchanges fostered between Japan and the Netherlands and Belgium.

The Netherlands was the only country among the nations of Europe to maintain diplomatic and trade relations with Japan throughout the Edo period, when our country pursued a policy of national seclusion, and it brought great influence to Japan across a wide range of fields, including Western culture, knowledge, and technology, through what became known as “Rangaku,” or Dutch Learning. Exchanges with the Netherlands have been built over what is now more than 400 years.

Belgium, meanwhile, marks the 160th anniversary of its friendship with our country this year. Its origins trace back to the Treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation concluded between Japan and Belgium in 1866, toward the end of the Edo period. Since then, exchange has deepened across both public and private spheres, and Belgium today has become an important political and economic hub in Europe, with Japanese companies establishing bases of operation in Belgium and the Netherlands as hubs for their European activities, strengthening the economic ties between our countries in areas such as trade and logistics.

Reflecting on this long accumulation of exchange between Japan and the Netherlands and Belgium, during this visit I hope to renew old friendships with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima and other members of the Dutch Royal Family, as well as with King Philippe and Queen Mathilde and other members of the Belgian Royal Family, and to hear from Japanese residents in the Netherlands and Belgium and from people of both countries with connections to Japan about the course of exchange with our country, so that this visit may become an opportunity to further deepen exchanges, mutual understanding, and friendly relations between the peoples of Japan and the Netherlands and Belgium.

Second, regarding exchanges between the younger generations of Japan and the Netherlands and Belgium: with Japanese anime and food culture enjoying great popularity abroad, I understand that young people in the Netherlands and Belgium, too, often develop an interest in Japan through Japanese anime and Japanese cuisine. I also understand that the Dutch rabbit character Miffy, as well as Belgian chocolate and beer, are popular among young people in Japan, and that the Dutch and Belgian pavilions at last year’s Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai drew many visitors. As interest in a country and its culture, sparked by such events and popular culture, often leads to exchange between younger generations, I hope that our visit this time will become an opportunity for young people to take an interest in one another’s countries, and that exchange and friendly relations will deepen further in the years ahead.

Turning to the subject of “water,” in which I have a personal interest, I know that both the Netherlands and Belgium, with their extensive low-lying land, have long lived in close proximity to water and have, over many years, developed ingenious approaches to water management, giving them, particularly in the area of flood control, challenges in common with Japan. The development of dikes and sluices and the use of reclaimed polder land in both countries are symbolic achievements that have protected their territories while supporting their development, and I hold these achievements in deep respect.

On this occasion, I will visit Deltares, a research institute for water resource management, in the Netherlands. In Belgium, I will visit Namur, a town closely connected with water, situated at the confluence of two rivers. Through these visits, and through conversations with the Kings of both countries, who share a deep interest in water issues, I hope to learn about the experience and wisdom with which the Netherlands and Belgium have lived with water and protected their cities and ways of life, and, through learning about water issues, to further deepen my understanding of the society and culture of each country.

Masako and I are deeply grateful for the invitation extended by both countries, and, as we prepare for this visit, we have been recalling memories of our past visit to the Netherlands and Belgium together, speaking of the heartfelt hospitality of the many people who welcomed us so warmly, and of the lush greenery and the beautiful townscapes that convey a profound sense of history. As it has been some time since we last visited two countries in succession, we intend to approach this visit while being mindful of our health.

Question 2 Japan and the Netherlands and Belgium had a period of hostility during World War II. There is also a history of Japan having interned local Dutch nationals in what is now Indonesia, and efforts toward reconciliation have continued since the war. How do you consider this history as you approach this visit? Please share your thoughts, bearing in mind the relationship the Imperial Family and the two Royal Families have built through their efforts toward friendship.: Answer 2

In World War II, many precious lives were lost in countries around the world, and I feel deeply pained that so many people suffered and grieved. While there is a long history of friendship in the relationships between Japan and the Netherlands and Belgium, we must not forget that there were also periods of hardship. In the Netherlands in particular, I wish to be mindful of the fact that there are people who continue, even now, to carry the pain of that time. I believe it is important that we learn humbly from the history of the past, deepen our understanding, and cultivate hearts that cherish peace.

After the war, Queen Beatrix visited Japan as a State Guest on two occasions, in 1963 and 1991, and worked to promote mutual understanding and friendly relations between Japan and the Netherlands. In 2000, Their Majesties the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita visited the Netherlands as State Guests, and on that occasion, deeply mindful of the Dutch people who continued to carry the wounds of the war, they worked together with Queen Beatrix to further deepen mutual understanding and friendly cooperation between the peoples of both countries. In this way, I believe it may be said that the deep mutual trust and profound compassion for others shown by the then Queen of the Netherlands and Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress led to reconciliation between the peoples of both countries, opening a new chapter in the history of exchanges between our two nations.

Between Japan and the Netherlands and Belgium, exchanges for the purpose of mutual understanding have been steadily accumulated through the long-standing efforts of those involved, both public and private, such as through exchanges between local governments, including sister-city relationships, exchanges among university students, and the planting of cherry trees, among other endeavors. Exchanges between the Imperial Family and each of the Royal Families have been one part of this journey of friendship and goodwill, and I am deeply grateful for the fact that the peace and good relations that exist today have been built upon the dedicated efforts of so many people.

In approaching this visit as well, while reflecting on the history of the past and renewing in my heart the preciousness of peace, I wish to cherish exchanges with the people of both countries. Furthermore, I hope that exchanges among people, including the younger generation, will deepen further, and that the friendly relationship between Japan and the Netherlands and Belgium will continue to develop in the years ahead.

Question 3 International goodwill has become one of the important roles of the Imperial Family, and last year Princess Aiko visited Laos on her first official duty abroad. While the active participation of young members of the Imperial Family is hoped for, the current system anticipates a shrinking Imperial Family, and discussions on securing the number of Imperial Family members have been proceeding in the Diet. Please tell us your thoughts on the balance between the Imperial Family’s activities and its numbers, and how you have received the discussions to date, along with your hopes for the active involvement of the next generation.: Answer 3

I consider international goodwill to be one of the important roles of the Imperial Family, and I believe it holds significant meaning in deepening mutual understanding and friendly relations with other countries.

I believe that Aiko’s visit to Laos last year, during which she had the opportunity to interact with many people, was a very valuable experience for her personally. I hope that each of the younger members of the Imperial Family, including Aiko, will continue to accumulate a range of experiences and deepen their understanding of their respective duties.

Beyond such international goodwill, the activities of the Imperial Family are wide-ranging, including visits to different regions of our country and visits to console those affected by disasters, through which we stand together with the people and interact with a great many of our fellow citizens. I understand that discussions are currently underway regarding how best to secure the number of Imperial Family members needed to sustain such activities of the Imperial Family stably into the future. I would like to refrain from commenting on matters relating to the system itself, but I believe that the basic principle underlying the Imperial Family’s way of being and its activities is to constantly wish for the happiness of the people and to share in their joys and sorrows. I hope that these discussions on how best to secure the number of Imperial Family members will come to earn the understanding of the people.

Going forward as well, I believe it is important that each member of the Imperial Family, including its younger generation, fulfills their respective duties in their own position, stands together with the people, and works to promote friendship and goodwill with the international community.

Question 4 As the environment surrounding the Imperial Family changes, with the number of Imperial Family members decreasing and further active participation by female members of the Imperial Family also being expected, what are your thoughts on the future form that the Imperial Family and Royal Families should take for generations to come through your exchanges with the Royal Families of the Netherlands and Belgium?: Answer 4

I consider activities for international goodwill, and the accompanying exchange with the people of various countries, to be one of the important official duties of the Imperial Family, and both Masako and I have worked to further deepen friendly relations in our visits abroad and in our interactions with foreign guests visiting Japan, while bearing in mind the history of exchanges between our country and the country concerned.

A warm relationship has likewise been built up over many years with the Royal Families of the Netherlands and Belgium. On this visit as well, through exchange with both Royal Families, I hope to deepen my understanding of the history and culture of each country, while also expanding our circle of exchange with the younger generations of both Royal Families and strengthening the bonds of friendship between us.

Amid the great changes taking place in the world today, I feel that it is becoming ever more important for the Imperial Family and the Royal Families of other countries to stand with their respective peoples, to wish for their happiness, to seek peace for the world, and to work for international goodwill. I sincerely hope that the Imperial Family and the Royal Families of other countries will continue to accumulate exchanges across generations and deepen their friendship and goodwill in the years to come.

Question 5 The Royal Families of Belgium and the Netherlands, which you will be visiting this time, also share their engagement with their people through social media, and it appears that Imperial Family, too, in coming to share images of official duties and everyday life, has grown closer to people around the world. What image would you like to convey going forward? Is there anything from the way the Dutch and Belgian Royal Families communicate that you would like to draw upon as a reference?: Answer 5

In considering how to communicate information about the Imperial Family’s activities, I believe it is necessary, as a prerequisite, to return to the basic principle underlying the Imperial Family’s way of being and its activities. As I have said before, I believe that this basic principle is to wish for the happiness of the people and to share in their joys and sorrows. I also believe it is important to fulfill duties suited to the circumstances, bearing in mind the passage of the era and changes in society. I believe that trust between the people and the Imperial Family is built as each individual member of the Imperial Family faces this role with sincerity, fulfills each of their duties while wishing for the happiness of the people, and continues to build up heartfelt exchanges with them.

I hold great respect for the way the Royal Families of the Netherlands and Belgium cherish their connection with their peoples, while bearing in mind the history and social circumstances of their respective countries, and approach their communications, including content directed at younger generations, with various forms of ingenuity in both content and frequency.

For the Imperial Family as well, in accumulating exchanges with the people and building a relationship of trust between the people and the Imperial Family, I feel it is important to steadily provide clear and accessible communication at appropriate times, so that the public may deepen their understanding of the Imperial Family’s activities. As for the specific methods of communication, I expect that the Imperial Household Agency will continue to refine its approach, bearing in mind our country’s history and culture.

Press Conference on the occasion of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress visit to Kingdom of the Netherlands and Kingdom of Belgium (2026)

(Imperial Household Agency Press Club)

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