PRESS RELEASE                                                                                    

March 13, 2009

Their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress of Japan to visit Canada

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, has extended an official invitation to Their Majesties the Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan to visit Canada.

The Japanese Government approved the visit of Their Majesties and outlined the itinerary on March 13, taking into account the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Canada.

It will be the Emperor and Empress of Japan’s first visit to Canada. However, then-Crown Prince Akihito toured several Canadian cities, including Victoria and Vancouver in 1953. His first experience staying abroad was in Victoria, where he will return after more than 50 years.

The Honourable Steven L. Point, Lieutenant Governor of British Colombia has extended a cordial offer of accommodation at Government House where His Majesty Akihito has fond memories from his previous visit. Their Majesties are scheduled to leave Tokyo on July 3, 2009, and will stay in Victoria, from July 10 to 12, and Vancouver, from July 12 to 14. They are looking forward to meeting with British Columbians and viewing the beautiful scenery of British Columbia.

It will be Their Majesties’ first visit abroad since they visited Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and the United Kingdom in 2007. A detailed itinerary will be announced about a month before the upcoming visit, based upon consultations with the governments of each country.

Note: Imperial Family’s visits to Canada in recent years
1985 His Imperial Highness Prince Naruhito
1990 Her Imperial Highness Princess Sayako
1992 Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Takamado
1999 Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Hitachi
2004 Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado
2006 His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito

Contact: Keith Fedoruk, Tel (604) 684-5868 (ext. 252) Email: infocul@consuljpnvan.com.

800 - 1177 West Hastings St. Vancouver,  B.C., V6E 2K9, Tel: (604) 684-5868 Fax: (604) 684-5840