Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako arrived at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam on June 13 to begin an official state visit to the Netherlands and Belgium [1].

This diplomatic mission marks the first official state visit by the imperial couple to the region in 13 years [2]. The trip aims to strengthen bilateral relations between Japan and the Netherlands, as well as Japan and Belgium, following the couple's previous visit for the coronation of King Willem-Alexander in 2013 [2, 4].

The imperial couple departed from Haneda Airport on June 13 [1]. Their government aircraft landed in the suburbs of Amsterdam between 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. local time [2, 3, 4]. According to Japanese time, the arrival occurred at 1:30 a.m. on June 14 [1].

During their stay, which lasts from June 13 through June 16, the couple will reside at Het Oude Loo Castle [1]. The itinerary includes high-level diplomatic engagements designed to reinforce historical ties, and modern cooperation between the nations [2, 4].

Official reception ceremonies were held at the airport to welcome the guests upon their arrival in the Netherlands [1]. The visit serves as a cornerstone for renewing royal and diplomatic bonds that have been maintained since the 2013 coronation ceremonies [2].

“The trip aims to strengthen bilateral relations between Japan and the Netherlands, as well as Japan and Belgium.”

The return of the Japanese imperial couple to the Netherlands and Belgium after more than a decade signals a strategic prioritization of European diplomatic ties. By anchoring the visit in the legacy of King Willem-Alexander's 2013 coronation, Japan is leveraging royal diplomacy to stabilize and enhance political and economic cooperation within the European Union.