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.