(VOVworld) – Japan’s Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko began a state visit to Vietnam on Tuesday at the invitation of President Tran Dai Quang.

Japan’s Emperor and Empress at a New Year ceremony in 2012

This first-ever visit to Vietnam is of historic importance. It marks a milestone in bilateral ties and communicates the sentiments of Japanese people to Vietnam.
It also strengthens the Vietnam-Japan strategic partnership and mutual understanding. The visit takes place with bilateral relations at the crest of a wave of accomplishments in politics, economics, security, national defense, agriculture, tourism, and sports.