Top > Speeches and Statements by Prime Minister

I am pleased to announce that Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress will pay an Official Visit to Canada and the State of Hawaii of the United States of America. Japan has been enjoying close and friendly relations with Canada and the United States of America. Canada has extended for some time their invitation to Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress to visit Canada, and Her Excellency Michaëlle Jean Governor General of Canada, renewed the invitation to Their Majesties to visit Canada. Last year marked a memorable year of the 80th Anniversary of Japan-Canada relations and efforts are being made in both countries towards further advancement of the relations as well as promotion of mutual understanding. In relation with the State of Hawaii of the United States of America, Japan has established close and friendly relations, symbolized by the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the Crown Prince Akihito Scholarship Foundation. The Government of the United States of America has offered to welcome the visit by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress. I am convinced that, through the visit, existing friendly relations with these countries will be further strengthened, for which I would like to share my immense pleasure with the people of Japan. I would like to express my sincere hope for Their Majesties' pleasant journey and safe return home.