As their visit officially kicked off yesterday, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden were formally welcomed by Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan at the Museum Intermediate Theater in Tokyo in the morning. They were then taken on a guided tour of the exhibition “The Art of Natural Science.”
The Swedish Royal Court explained that the four royals were able to experience “a wide spectrum of objects under the theme of art and science during the 17th and 19th century; such as portraits, books, maps, watercolours, scientific instruments and cultural artefacts. The exhibition is a collaboration between Gustavianum at Uppsala University and Museum Intermediatheque at Tokyo University.”
Their Majesties and Their Imperial Majesties take a look at the artefacts in the exhibit. Photo: Kungahuset.se/Instagram
The King and Queen are in Japan on the invitation of the Japanese government to celebrate 150 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. They have been accompanied by Ann Linde, Minister for European Union Affairs and Trade, and Ibrahim Baylan, Minister for Energy.
Sweden’s King and Queen next went to the UNICEF House and were joined by Ann Linde. There, they saw an exhibit on UNICEF’s international work before the Deputy Foreign Minister, Manabu Horii gave a report to Their Majesties and Linde on Japan’s action to eliminate violence against children. Queen Silvia is passionate about the topic and her foundation, the World Childhood Foundation, works to give children safe childhoods.
Their Majesties and Linde pictured at the Swedish Embassy. Photo: Kungahuset.se/Instagram
Carl Gustaf and Silvia then went to the Swedish Embassy where they were welcomed by Cecilia Leiram, Head of Business Sweden in Tokyo. They then heard a presentation on the economic and political situation in Japan.
The day also included stops at a seminar on future transport and a briefing on the start-up climate in Japan.
King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia also made a trip to the Imperial Palace to reunite with Their Imperial Majesties in the evening for dinner.
