Emperor Naruhito Visits Netherlands, Watches World Cup Match, June 16

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako arrived in the Netherlands on Saturday for an official state visit, their first in 13 years since attending King Willem-Alexander’s coronation in 2013. The visit marks a continuation of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Netherlands spanning nearly 500 years. Both countries plan to discuss economic and security goals during the visit.

Royal Families Watch World Cup Together

On Sunday, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako watched the Japan-Netherlands FIFA World Cup match on television with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima at Het Oude Loo Hunting Lodge. The match ended in a 2-2 draw. Photos released by the Royal House of the Netherlands showed the four wearing their respective team colors, with the Emperor and Empress wearing Samurai Blue towels around their necks.

A Long History of Royal Visits

The two royal families have exchanged visits for over 70 years. In 1953, then Crown Prince Akihito visited the Netherlands as part of a world tour. Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands visited Japan multiple times starting in 1963, meeting Emperor Hirohito and Empress Nagako at the Imperial Palace. Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko hosted Queen Beatrix on a state visit to Japan in 1991, and were hosted in return in 2000.

Current Visit Details and Schedule

The Imperial couple arrived in Amsterdam on Saturday via government-chartered aircraft and are staying at Het Oude Loo Hunting Lodge until Tuesday. They remarked that returning to the lodge for the first time in 20 years felt “very nostalgic,” according to the Imperial Household Agency. The Emperor and Empress previously stayed at the lodge in August 2006 with their daughter Aiko, who was 4 years old at the time, after receiving an invitation from then Queen Beatrix.

Diplomatic Goals and Future Plans

The state visit came at the invitation of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, with whom the Emperor and Empress share a close friendship. Both countries plan to discuss economic and security goals during the visit. The Imperial couple will attend a welcoming ceremony and banquet hosted by the royal family on Wednesday in Amsterdam, then travel to neighboring Belgium on Saturday.

Final Thoughts

Emperor Naruhito’s state visit reinforces nearly 500 years of diplomatic ties between Japan and the Netherlands. The visit signals both nations’ commitment to strengthening economic and security partnerships.

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