The visit of Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko to Vietnam next week will mark an important landmark in Vietnam-Japan relations, Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Nguyen Quoc Cuong has said.

Both the Emperor and Empress are looking forward to what will be the first-ever trip of the Emperor to Vietnam since the two countries’ diplomatic relations establishment in 1973, Ambassador Cuong was quoted by the Vietnam News Agency on Friday.

The historic trip, beginning on February 28, is therefore an important landmark in the bilateral relationship of the states, which has become closer with trust, according to the Ambassador.

Vietnam's Ambassador to Japan Nguyen Quoc Cuong. Photo: VNA

As part of their visit, the Japanese Emperor and Empress are expected to tour the central city of Hue, a decision the diplomat revealed stemmed from history and culture reasons

The Emperor and Empress have expressed their admiration of the nha nhac, or the ceremonial music of Hue court, which was recognized in 2003 by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

The music and is being performed in Japan’s Royal Palace.

Another reason, according to the ambassador, is the fact that the East Asian country has given a lot of assistance to the renovation of historic sites in the Hue citadel.

Next week’s trip is a manifestation of the development of the Vietnam-Japan relationship and will bring the relationship to new heights, Ambassador Cuong concluded.

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