Imperial Couple make first visit to Canada

TORONTO (AP) Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko were greeted by Canada's foreign affairs minister Friday when they arrived in Ottawa for the Imperial Couple's first visit to Canada together.

Touchdown: A government jet carrying Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko taxis past a Canadian flag upon arrival at Ottawa on Friday. The Imperial Couple will spend 11 days in Canada before going on to Hawaii during their 15-day trip. AP PHOTO

The couple will spend 11 days in Canada to attend various ceremonies and events before traveling to Hawaii.

"Both Canada and the state of Hawaii are home to many people of Japanese ancestry," Akihito said in a statement ahead of the trip. "We are looking forward to meeting these people in various places during our trip and further deepen our understanding of the paths they have taken to this day."

The 75-year-old Akihito has not been to Canada since he visited as the 19-year-old Crown Prince in April 1953, when he toured several Canadian cities en route to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in Britain. He was not married at the time.

Akihito still remembers taking the transcontinental train for four days that year, as well as the warm greetings he received from Japanese immigrants at each stop along the way.

"I was deeply touched," he said.

A year after his visit, Japan and Canada signed the peace treaty ending hostility.

His visit celebrates several significant anniversaries in 2009, including the 80th anniversary of Japanese-Canadian diplomatic relations, Akihito's 20th year as Emperor, and the Imperial Couple's 50th wedding anniversary.