President Tran Dai Quang reviews the guard of honour at the welcome ceremony on May 30 morning (Photo: VNA)

According to the NHK public broadcaster, President Quang and his wife were warmly welcomed by Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. President Quang then reviewed the honour guard of the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force.  Afterwards, he met with the Emperor and Empress, during which he highlighted their first-ever historical visit to Vietnam in 2017. The Emperor recalled the warm sentiments of Vietnamese people towards the royal Japanese couple. Meanwhile, the Japanese Asahi newspaper devoted its front page to the ceremony for the Vietnamese leader. The state banquet drew 150 officials, including imperial members and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The Emperor wished for relations between Vietnam and Japan to thrive in the future. Yomiuri newspaper said at the state dinner, President Quang described the Emperor’s visit in 2017 as a foundation to boost the friendship between the two nations. Sankei newspaper also covered the event, citing Emperor Akihito as saying nearly one million Vietnamese and Japanese tourists travelled between the two countries last year.  On June 1, the Emperor will attend a ceremony marking the 45th founding anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties. On June 2, the Emperor and Empress will bid farewell to President Quang and his spouse.