Emperor Naruhito's Reflections on Mongolia and International Goodwill
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako departed for their official visit to Mongolia as State Guests on July 6. A few days earlier, on July 2, Emperor Naruhito held a press conference at the Shakkyo-no-Ma drawing room in the Imperial Palace to discuss his hopes.
The following is an unofficial English translation of His Majesty's remarks. Subheadings have been added for readability.
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I consider international goodwill to be one of the important pillars of the role of the Imperial Family. Personally, whenever I meet with visiting dignitaries or travel abroad, I aim to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen friendly relations by recognizing the historical ties between Japan and the other country.
At the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, I had the opportunity to reconnect with royal families and presidents I have known from the past. I also met heads of state for the first time. Through those conversations, I was able to deepen my understanding of each country, for which I am very grateful.
As for Aiko's planned visit to Laos this November, we are deeply grateful for the invitation extended by the Lao government. Since the trip is still some time away, preparations will proceed gradually. We sincerely hope the visit will enhance friendly relations between Japan and Laos.
When I visited Laos in 2012, I was warmly received by its people. I also found cultural similarities, such as their custom of eating sticky rice. Both Masako and I hope to offer Aiko advice based on our past overseas experiences.
Also, when Princess Kako returned from her recent trip to Brazil, Aiko was present during the debriefing. She listened carefully to Kako's detailed account of her experiences. I believe opportunities like these have helped Aiko learn more about international visits by members of the Imperial Family.
When I visited Mongolia in 2007, I saw that Ulaanbaatar had developed along a tributary of the Tuul River. Ancient cities like Karakorum and Kharkhorin were formed along the Orkhon River. Even in a land of grasslands and deserts, I was deeply moved by how rivers contributed to urban development.
I have always believed that enjoying the blessings of water while coping with natural disasters is a common challenge for humanity. Understanding a country's water-related issues can also lead to a deeper understanding of its society and culture.
This time, I will have the opportunity to visit the Ulaanbaatar Water Supply and Sewerage Authority and the Gachuurt water source. I am pleased that Japan's economic and technical cooperation is contributing there and hope to deepen my understanding of Mongolia's urban development and water issues.
Since Mongolia's democratization in the 1990s, Japan has expanded cooperation across a wide range of fields. I have heard that this long-standing cooperation has fostered trust and familiarity among the Mongolian people toward Japan. Hopefully, our visit will further strengthen the friendly ties between our countries. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako wave to welcoming children upon arriving at Ulaanbaatar's School No. 149 — 1:59 PM, July 9, in Ulaanbaatar. (Pool photo)
Masako and I were both born after the war and did not experience it ourselves. However, we have had opportunities to hear about wartime from the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita. We hope to carry on their strong commitment to peace.
This year marks 80 years since the end of the war. To never forget the suffering and sorrow people endured, we have visited places such as Iwo Jima, Hiroshima, and Okinawa. Aiko accompanied us to Okinawa, which suffered severe ground battles. We listened to accounts from survivors and bereaved families and were deeply moved by their unimaginable hardships. These experiences reaffirmed the importance of peace.
Fewer people remain who lived through the war, so it is extremely important to hear their stories firsthand. We must pass down those memories and lessons to the next generation.
As I mentioned earlier, during this visit, I would like to reflect on such history. I plan to offer flowers at the memorial for the deceased Japanese and pay tribute to those who, against their will, lost their lives far from home. I wish to honor their hardships.
Since the end of the war, Japan has worked together with countries around the world, including Mongolia, to contribute to the peace and prosperity of the international community. Based on the history of exchanges our two countries have built up over the years, I hope this visit will serve as an opportunity to further deepen the friendship and goodwill between Japan and Mongolia.
When I last visited Mongolia, Aiko was still very young. She had a strong interest in sumo at the time. It was during the period when Mongolian wrestlers like Asashoryu were very active. Aiko even remembered that Asashoryu's real name was Dolgorsürengiin Dagvadorj. I believe that through sumo, she developed a sense of closeness to Mongolia. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako warmly welcomed by a woman in traditional dress upon arrival at Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Mongolia — afternoon of July 6. (Pool photo)
Since then, as she has grown older, she seems to have taken more interest in Mongolian society as well. This is especially true now in her role at the Japanese Red Cross Society. On this visit, I hope that Masako and I can share with Aiko various aspects of Mongolia — what kind of country it is, its people's way of life, society, and history — as well as insights into the Mongolia of today.
Regarding Laos, the topic of food came up earlier, and what impressed me most was that they also eat sticky rice. I've had sticky rice there several times myself. Overall, I found many similarities between their dietary habits and those of Japan. Visiting a country firsthand allows you to learn so much, and it was a truly meaningful experience.
I may have mentioned this before, but the Mekong River flows through Laos, just as it does in Vietnam, and seeing how the river is intertwined with people's daily lives and culture was something I deeply appreciated.
I have tried airag [fermented mare's milk] a little. There were also other strong alcoholic drinks, but since I had just undergone surgery at the time, I had to limit my alcohol intake. Regarding food, I recall dishes like buuz — similar to Chinese baozi — which are pan-fried or steamed dumplings. There were also many dishes using mutton. I especially remember dumplings, boiled or steamed, that were quite similar to Japanese food. This left a strong impression.
I believe that cuisine reflects a nation's culture. When traveling the world, experiencing local food allows me to connect with that culture. That is something I always enjoy.
The last time I visited the memorial [for Japanese internees] in Mongolia, it was my first such experience. Since then, I have aged and also learned more by reading documents about the hardships that Japanese people endured in Mongolia at the time. I believe I now have a deeper understanding than I did back then.
However, in terms of the sentiment with which I approach the memorial, I feel it remains the same. I intend to pay my respects with the same heartfelt sincerity.
As I mentioned earlier, during my last visit, I had the opportunity to meet Mr Yukio Kasuga, who sadly has since passed away. Hearing his personal account of the immense hardship he endured was truly valuable. I am very grateful I was able to meet and speak with him.
Author: The Sankei Shimbun and JAPAN Forward
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