Their first state visit since ascending to the throne in 2019, the Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako arrived at Jakarta Airport today for a week-long visit to Indonesia.
They will meet with Indonesian President Joko Widodo during their tour to Southeast Asia’s largest economy from June 17 to June 23, and they’ll also pay respects to the slain Indonesian and Japanese soldiers at a military cemetery.
Japan captured Indonesia from the Dutch colonial business during World War II and dominated it for three years, shattering the Dutch colonial company’s arrogance.
Despite Dutch attempts to retake control of the former colony, Indonesian independence was made possible in 1945 thanks to Japan’s post-war collapse.
During the flight, Naruhito said to reporters, “Since the war, Japan has worked hard to contribute to national and regional peace, including Indonesia.”
“Based on countries with a history in diplomacy, I hope that the visit will deepen the friendly relations between our two countries.”
The royal couple will go to the military cemetery to pay their respects to the 28 former Japanese soldiers who died while fighting for Indonesia’s independence.
Japanese emperors last traveled to Indonesia in 1962 and 1991.