6 July 2009
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today paid a courtesy call to Their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress of Japan. The Imperial Couple are visiting Canada from July 3-14.
“It is an honour for Canada to host the Imperial Couple 56 years after Emperor Akihito first visited Canada as Crown Prince,” said the Prime Minister. “The Imperial Couple’s visit is a particularly special occasion for the thousands of Canadians of Japanese descent who have contributed so much to our country. I am delighted that Their Majesties accepted my invitation to visit Canada, and hope they enjoy the best of Canadian hospitality during their stay.”
Emperor Akihito first visited Canada in 1953 while he was still Crown Prince, but this is the first visit by a reigning Japanese Emperor. Their Majesties will visit Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver and Victoria. This year is also the 20th anniversary of His Majesty’s ascension to the throne and the 50th wedding anniversary of Their Majesties.
