The 83-year-old Akihito is the first-ever Japanese emperor to visit Vietnam. He will be given a red carpet welcome by Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang tomorrow. |
During the visit, the Emperor and Empress will meet the abandoned wives of former Japanese soldiers from World War II. |
The imperial couple is also scheduled to meet with a dozen surviving widows and family members of Japanese war veterans. |
Despite their stormy relations in the past, Vietnam and Japan have steadily improved their ties. |
Today, Japan is the biggest foreign donor of Vietnam and one of its top investors and trading partners. |
State Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh greets the Emperor and Empress. |
