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Japan Forward
13 hours ago
- General
- Japan Forward
An Imperial Week in Photos: Emperor and Empress in Mongolia for Historic Visit
On July 6, Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako departed from Haneda Airport aboard a government aircraft for an official visit to Mongolia. They arrived in Ulaanbaatar later that day. On July 7, His Majesty visited the Chinggis Khaan National Museum, which presents the history of Mongolia from ancient times to the present. Reflecting on the visit, he remarked, "It was very insightful to learn about the systems of governance, the role of horses, and methods of securing water, among other topics." Emperor Naruhito views exhibits at the Chinggis Khaan National Museum — Morning of July 7, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. (©Sankei by Kazuya Kamogawa) He later visited the Ulaanbaatar Water Supply and Sewerage Authority and the Gachuurt Water Source Project, which supplies water to the capital. Emperor Naruhito arrives at the Gachuurt water reservoir facility — Afternoon of July 7, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. On July 8, Their Majesties offered flowers at a memorial honoring Japanese citizens who were detained and died in Mongolia following World War II. After a moment of silence, the heavy rain that had been falling since morning stopped. The Emperor and Empress closed their umbrellas, approached the memorial once more, and quietly observed a second moment of silence. Their Majesties spoke with Ms Fusae Suzuki, 88, whose father died while being detained in Mongolia by the Soviet Union in the years immediately following the war. Emperor Naruhito gently said, "It is truly heartbreaking what happened to your father." When Ms Suzuki expressed her determination to pass down the memory of this tragedy to future generations, Their Majesties encouraged her, saying, "Please take care of yourself, and thank you for your efforts." Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako speak with bereaved family members after offering flowers at the memorial for Japanese war dead — Afternoon of July 8, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Later that day, Their Majesties attended a series of official events as state guests, including a welcome ceremony at Sukhbaatar Square in central Ulaanbaatar. This included a meeting with President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh and First Lady Luvsandorj Bolortsetseg at the Government Palace, and a state banquet hosted in their honor. At the welcome ceremony, they also had a friendly exchange with former sumo grand champions Asashoryu, Hakuho, and Harumafuji, all originally from Mongolia. Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako wave alongside President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh and First Lady Luvsandorj Bolortsetseg in front of the statue of Chinggis Khaan at Sukhbaatar Square — Morning of July 8, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako speak with three former yokozuna from Mongolia during the welcome ceremony — Morning of July 8, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. At the state banquet, His Majesty remarked, "I hope that the seeds of cooperation sown across this vast land, passed down from our predecessors, will blossom into many flowers." He also performed with Mongolia's Morin Khuur Symphony Orchestra, playing pieces including Hamabe no Uta ("Song of the Seashore") on the viola. His Majesty Emperor Naruhito performs on the viola during the state banquet — Afternoon of July 8, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. On July 9, the Emperor visited the Mongol Kosen Technical College, which was established based on Japan's system of technical colleges. In the afternoon, together with the Empress, he visited Ulaanbaatar's School No 149, where they interacted with students. They later toured the Mongolia–Japan Hospital and expressed appreciation to doctors who had studied in Japan. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visit Ulaanbaatar's School No 149 and view the ICT classroom — Afternoon of July 9, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. On July 10, Emperor Naruhito observed a Japanese language class at the Shine Mongolia School, an integrated educational institution that incorporates elements of Japanese-style education. Praising the students, he said, "I am truly pleased to see you pursuing your studies with such strong aspirations." He then visited Gandantegchinlen Monastery, a major center of Mongolian Buddhism, where he attentively viewed statues of Kannon and other Buddhist figures. On July 8, Crown Prince Fumihito visited the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) in Tokyo's Koto Ward to attend the 27th Japan Water Prize award ceremony. As honorary president of the Japan Water Prize Committee, he spoke with high school students who received the top award for their efforts to preserve aging agricultural irrigation systems, telling them, "It is a very encouraging achievement for those who rely on this water." Crown Prince Fumihito presents an award certificate to a recipient at the 27th Japan Water Prize ceremony — Afternoon of July 8, National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan), Koto Ward, Tokyo. (©Sankei by Naoki Aikawa) Crown Prince Fumihito speaks with recipients of the 27th Japan Water Prize — Afternoon of July 8, National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan), Koto Ward, Tokyo. (©Sankei by Naoki Aikawa) On July 6, Princess Hisako attended the finals of the Prince Takamado Trophy All Japan Junior High School English Oratorical Contest, held in Tokyo. The next day, she visited Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, touring pavilions from countries including Finland and Poland. On July 8, she attended the National Day celebration for Qatar. The next day, she participated in the Healthy Heart Symposium in Tokyo, where she stated, "There is an increasing need to promote awareness and prevention of heart disease across all generations." Princess Hisako serves as honorary president of both the Japan AED Foundation and the Japan Heart Foundation, co-organizers of the symposium. On July 10, she celebrated her 72nd birthday. ( Read the article in Japanese . ) Author: Masashi Nakamura and Tomomi Yoshizawa, The Sankei Shimbun


The Mainichi
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Mainichi
Japan emperor, empress pay respects at WWII memorial in Mongolia
ULAANBAATAR (Kyodo) -- Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako on Tuesday paid their respects to Japanese nationals who died in internment camps in Mongolia in the aftermath of World War II, during the first state visit to the country by a Japanese emperor. Welcomed by the country's leader, the imperial couple is on an eight-day trip through Sunday to reaffirm the friendship between the two nations, with this year marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the war. In a speech at a banquet hosted by Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsuk, the emperor expressed hope that Japan and Mongolia will continue to deepen their friendly relations, saying, "The foundation of the deep friendship and cooperation between my country and Mongolia is based on the ties between people." "I hope the younger generation, who will become the bridge between our countries, will inherit the path of their predecessors and let blossom the many seeds of cooperation planted in this wide land," said the emperor, who previously traveled to the country in 2007 as crown prince. Ahead of the banquet, the couple laid flowers and observed a moment of silence at a memorial established by the Japanese government on a hill in Dambadarjaa, the site of a former cemetery for deceased POWs on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar. It was the first time a Japanese emperor held a memorial service at an overseas internment camp. After the war, the Soviet military transferred around 14,000 of the approximately 575,000 Japanese prisoners of war held in Siberia to Mongolia, where they were put to work on infrastructure projects for about two years. More than 1,700 are believed to have died. Earlier Tuesday, the couple attended a welcome ceremony in Ulaanbaatar, where they met with President Khurelsukh and his wife and received a formal salute from the honor guard. Mongolian-born former sumo grand champions in Japan -- Asashoryu, Hakuho and Harumafuji -- were also present at the event. The emperor and empress then entered the government building and held a meeting with the Mongolian president and his wife in a yurt used for receptions. After arriving in Mongolia on Sunday, the emperor visited the Chinggis Khaan National Museum and a water facility built with Japanese aid before attending the official events. Mongolia, sandwiched between China and Russia, established diplomatic relations with Japan in 1972. The two countries have enjoyed a close relationship since Mongolia embarked on democratization and economic liberalization in 1990. The visit to Mongolia follows a series of domestic trips by the imperial couple to mourn the war dead in this key anniversary year. In April, the emperor and empress visited Iwoto Island, formerly known as Iwojima, the site of a fierce World War II battle between Japan and the United States in the Pacific. They also visited Okinawa and Hiroshima in June.


Yomiuri Shimbun
08-07-2025
- General
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Japan Emperor Visits Chinggis Khaan Museum, Water Treatment Facility in Ulaanbaatar; Imperial Couple Set to Attend Banquet Hosted by Mongolia President
ULAANBAATAR — The Emperor visited the Chinggis Khaan National Museum in Ulaanbaatar on Monday during the Imperial couple's visit to Mongolia as state guests. The museum exhibits the history of Mongolia with a focus on Chinggis Khaan, who lived between the 12th and 13th centuries and was a founder of the Mongol empire. The museum was the Emperor's first stop, as he wanted to show his respect for the history and culture of Mongolia, according to the Imperial Household Agency. The museum director explained how Japan supported the research of the country's archaeological sites, and the Emperor understood that Japanese scholars actively participated in the joint research. The Emperor also saw the golden statue of Chinggis Khaan. Later in the day, the Emperor visited the Water Supply and Sewerage Authority of Ulaanbaatar City. After hearing that wells and a water treatment facility had been built with Japan's help, the Emperor, who's lifework involves water issues, said he was pleased to learn that Japan's cooperation is highly valued in Mongolia. The Emperor also visited Gachuurt, a suburb of Ulaanbaatar where there are several water intake wells spread along a river that runs through the area. On Tuesday, the Emperor and Empress were expected to lay flowers at a cenotaph commemorating Japanese people who died in internment in Mongolia after World War II. In the evening, the Imperial couple were set to attend a banquet, hosted by Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh and his wife, at which the Emperor was expected to play the viola with the Mongolian orchestra.

07-07-2025
- Politics
Japan Emperor Visits Water-Related Facilities in Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar, July 7 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Emperor Naruhito visited water-related facilities such as the water supply and sewage authority of Ulaanbaatar, the Mongolian capital, on Monday. At the water supply and sewage authority, the Emperor, who conducts research on water issues, received explanations on the state of waterworks in Ulaanbaatar. He expressed gratitude over the Mongolian side's appreciation for Japanese financial cooperation. The Emperor later traveled to a water source in Gachuurt that was developed with grant aid from the Japanese government. The facility has contributed to improving water supply in the ger areas of Ulaanbaatar, which are home to about 60 pct of the city's residents but lack water supply infrastructure. He wore a helmet as he observed the water source from atop a storage facility for water drawn from a well along the Tuul River. Earlier in the day, Emperor Naruhito visited the Chinggis Khaan National Museum, where he viewed exhibitions on Mongolian ancient states and the Mongol Empire. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]


Forbes
20-04-2025
- Forbes
Watch Fearsome Raptors Soar At Mongolia's Golden Eagle Festival
While Mongolia is home to majestic mammals ranging from the snow leopard to the Przewalski's horse, few native animals can match the grandeur of the golden eagle. Capable of reaching more than 2.5 meters in wingspan, these ferocious birds of prey are known for their incredibly broad range across the Northern Hemisphere, with populations found from the Arctic Circle down to central Ethiopia—and for anyone wishing to marvel at these creatures in the flesh, Mongolia is the perfect destination, with Nomadic Expeditions offering a seven-day itinerary centered around this iconic species. Spanning from October 1st to October 7th, the company's Golden Eagle Festival expedition is dedicated to showcasing one of the Eurasian Steppe's most storied cultural traditions, with the art of falconry earning a spot on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity back in 2010. Immediately preceding the festival, guests will have an opportunity to explore the abundant natural beauty of Tolbo Lake—a scenic water feature found in western Mongolia's Bayan-Ölgii Province—before the opening ceremony kicks off. Over the following days, participants can marvel as local Kazakh falconers compete on horseback with their eagles in tow, participating in rigorous contests that showcase the natural instincts and abilities of the birds. And while Tolbo Lake is certainly a sight to behold, the Golden Eagle Festival tour also shines a spotlight on Ulaanbaatar, a storied city that was formally settled in 1778. There's a wealth of fascinating landmarks and attractions woven into the itinerary, with sites spanning from the central Sukhbaatar Square to the Chinggis Khaan National Museum, a prestigious institution that highlights the rich history of the region spanning from ancient times to the height of the Mongol Empire to the end of the 20th century. But of course, there's far more to see across Mongolia than just the extreme west and its capital city. In addition to the Golden Eagle Festival tour, Nomadic Expeditions offers a diverse array of other itineraries dedicated to Mongolian nature and culture. For a deep dive on one of the country's most renowned regions, the Classic Mongolia – Naadam Festival voyage provides plenty of insight into the natural splendor of the Gobi Desert, a vast expanse of land that's home to iconic creatures like the Bactrian camel and Gobi bear. Throughout the trip, guests will explore fascinating sites like the dinosaur fossil-laden Flaming Cliffs and enjoy top-tier accommodations, with Three Camel Lodge offering archery and other outdoor activities for guests to enjoy. While horseback riding has played a crucial role in Central and East Asian culture for centuries, the Golden Eagle Festival offers a glimpse into this storied tradition at its most extravagant—and with Nomadic Expeditions, visitors can have a front-row seat to all of the action with the added bonus of exploring one of Mongolia's most famed cities. Whether you're a seasoned avian aficionado hoping to see golden eagles in their prime or a history buff that's intrigued by the ancient traditions of the Eurasian Steppe, this famed festival is certain to leave you with a treasure trove of lasting memories.