World

Japan's Royal Visit to Canada

by Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke | July 5, 2009 at 04:37 am

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On their first official stop during their visit to Canada, Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko toured the Ottawa region yesterday. The official purpose of the visit is to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the start of Canada - Japan diplomatic relations.

The Royal couple, which arrived in Canada on Friday, toured the Ottawa Experimental Farm and the MacKenzie King Estate in Gatineau Park, Quebec. MacKenzie King was the tenth Prime Minister of Canada and with 21 years in office he was the longest serving Prime Minister. His term in office spanned over World War II.

The emperor reportedly has a fascination with natural science. He watches nature programs on television, works on his biological studies in his spare time and has become a world expert on the humble goby fish.

After meeting the Gouvernor General and the Prime Minister next week, they will continue with their visits to Toronto, Vancouver and Victoria.

Emperor Akihito last visited Canada in 1953. During his visits yesterday he was followed by an entourage of 50 Japanese journalists.

Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko toured the Ottawa region Saturday, the first official stop on their visit to Canada.

The royal couple, who arrived in the capital on Friday, began with a visit to the Mackenzie King Estate in Gatineau Park, Que. That was followed by a trip to Ottawa's Experimental Farm, a site known for its rich heritage and agriculture.

The emperor reportedly has a fascination with natural science. He watches nature programs on television, works on his biological studies in his spare time and has become a world expert on the humble goby fish.

The official purpose of the visit is to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the start of Canada-Japan diplomatic relations.

Akihito, who rarely travels outside his country, was followed to Canada by an entourage of nearly 50 Japanese journalists.

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158

at 05:36 on July 5th, 2009

I did not know of this.

Are they coming to the US?

Uwe Paschen

at 05:44 on July 5th, 2009

80 Years of Diplomatic relations is a good reason for celebration and may the following 80 year be as peaceful and constructive as the those years elapsed since the Emperors fist visit to Canada in 1953 where.

Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 05:53 on July 5th, 2009

Absolutely Paschen, this relationship has come a long way since our internment of Japanese Canadians during World War II. Good relations are a good thing and should be build upon.