Japanese Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko arrived at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on Wednesday afternoon, commencing their official visit to Vietnam until Monday next week.

Their visit is aimed at marking the 50th anniversary of Japan – Vietnam diplomatic ties.

Crown Prince Akishino, 58, is the younger brother of Emperor Naruhito.

Akishino was declared first in line to the chrysanthemum throne in 2020.

This is the third time the Japanese crown prince has visited Vietnam.

His previous visits were made in 1999 and 2012.

Akishino is set to attend a welcome ceremony hosted by Vice-State President Vo Thi Anh Xuan at the Presidential Palace on Thursday morning, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The two top Vietnamese and Japanese officials will hold talks after the ceremony.

Akishino and Kiko will also visit late President Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house and fish pond.

As part of their Vietnam trip, they will sit in on a ceremony to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties.

The two and Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang will attend the world premiere of the Princess Anio opera, which is about a love story of a Vietnamese princess and a Japanese merchant, at the Hanoi Opera House.

Among his activities in Vietnam, Akishino will meet with State President Vo Van Thuong.

Akishino and Kiko will engage in various activities in Da Nang City and Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam.

The two top Japanese representatives will meet Vietnamese people who had earlier studied and lived in Japan, according to the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam.

Japan is Vietnam’s largest provider of official development assistance.

Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamikawa Yoko said that Japan and Vietnam have been deepening their partnership in numerous fields since their ties were upgraded to a strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in 2014, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

“This year marks the 50-year anniversary of Vietnam – Japan diplomatic relations, so the two nations aim to lift their relationship to a higher level,” said Yoko.

A series of commemorative activities will be organized in the two nations this year, she added.

Akishino’s Vietnam visit will contribute to cementing the two nations’ friendship and partnership, she underlined.

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