The Imperial couple laid a wreath and signed a condolence book for the late King, who they had close relations with for more than half a century.

The emperor and empress are scheduled to meet later with HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

The arrival of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko was a condolence visit to the Kingdom to show respect to the late King, as well as a goodwill trip to Thailand, which has had diplomatic relations with Japan for 130 years.

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visited Thailand for the first time in December 1964 when they then were Crown Prince and Crown Princess, following a visit made by King Bhumibol to Japan in 1963.

The Imperial couple visited Thailand in 1991 for their first foreign visit after their enthronement. They visited the Kingdom again in 2006 to attend the 60th anniversary of King Bhumibol’s accession to the throne.

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