Japanese Imperial Family Make Historic Visit to Canada

A. Pappas

Courtesy of the Department of Foreign Affairs And International Trade

In a historic celebration of the 80th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between Canada and Japan, a state visit by their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan has planted seeds that many across Canada are hoping will bear fruit of closer relations between them.

The state visit to Canada is the first-ever by a reigning Japanese monarch and only the second visit of the Emperor who arrived in 1953 as a 19-year-old crown prince en route to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. It simultaneously marked the 50th wedding anniversary of the Japanese royal couple.

With all the pomp and circumstance that one may expect, the Imperial family arrived in Ottawa on July 3rd and were greeted by Lawrence Cannon, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. People—Japanese and non-Japanese alike--lined up for an opportunity to see the Imperial couple at events such as a tree planting ceremony at Rideau Hall on July 6th. Michiko Iwakawa, 23, a second year university student from Tokyo said she waited for three hours to catch a glimpse. “I was so impressed” said the young woman who was visibly moved by the encounter. “I was so happy to see them in person. I think it’s once in a lifetime.”

Canadians were also impressed with the Imperial couple’s approachability and outreach. In a dinner speech that also doubled as the official welcoming party, Canada’s Governor General Michaëlle Jean said of her guests “Indeed… You are among friends here in Canada, as the many and varied trade, cultural and academic ties that continue to multiply between our two countries separated only by the Pacific Ocean can attest.”

They stayed for 11 days traveling across the country meeting dignitaries and Japanese-Canadian community leaders in the Nation’s Capital as well as in the Toronto, Vancouver and Victoria. This is likely the last official visit to Canada for Imperial couple. The emperor is now 75, and the empress is 74. It is the fifteenth overseas trip in their 20-year reign and there is some media speculation it may be one of the last due to Emperor Akihito’s health concerns.

The visit comes at a time when Canada is being recognized as a world leader in energy and natural resources, something that Japan, the world’s second-largest economy and major consumer of energy, is certainly noticing. Japan’s close ties to the United States especially with regards to global security and trade have almost made them one of Canada’s closest partners. The two countries have been working closely on such issues as climate change and as Ken Sunquist, Assistant Deputy Minister for the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade says “our strong partnership rests on a foundation of common interests and shared values. Japan’s role as a stable democracy and ally in the increasingly important Asia-Pacific region is vital to Canada’s Prosperity.” 

But the friendly relationship between the two nations may soon be tested. Japan’s ruling Liberal Party is facing political crises with its Prime Minister calling an election that may see the ruling party defeated. Canada’s current Conservative minority government may soon face its own electoral opportunity if, as many are predicting, a fall election comes to pass.