Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan will step foot on Palauan soil later this afternoon in a historical visit that will surely be remembered by both the Republic of Palau and Japan.
Over a decade ago, viagra 40mg the Imperial Couple were keen to visit Palau to honor the war dead but infrastructure issues at the time forced them to change plans. The Couple’s long desire to visit Palau however led to the confirmation of their visit earlier this year.
Further marking this historical day, the Palau Conservation Society (PCS) have announced that this day, April 8, has been designated by the non-profit organization’s Board of Directors and management as an official holiday to be observed annually. PCS states they are marking this day “as a day of respect, admiration, and tribute to the Imperial Family”.
Dr. Minoru Ueki, Chairman of PCS’ Board of Directors and former Palau Ambassador to Japan, expressed his joy over the visit during a recent interview with The Japan Times. Ueki grew up during Japan’s occupancy of Palau and the beginnings of war, he added “those who died in the war are also sure to be pleased (with the visit). It will be the start of a new friendship between our countries, too”.
The Imperial Couple’s schedule is tight. They will be welcomed to Palau by President Tommy Remengesau Jr. and his wife First Lady Debbie Remengesau at the Palau International Airport upon their arrival this afternoon. From there, the Couple will travel by motorcade through Koror, Palau’s commercial center en route to the Palau International Coral Reef Center where they will meet Japanese residents of Palau.
Later in the evening, the Couple will meet with the Presidents of the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Marshall Islands and their wives; attend a welcome reception and dinner hosted by Palau’s leadership before flying via helicopter to the Akitsushima, a Japanese Coast Guard ship where the couple will stay the night.
On Thursday April 9, 2014, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko will depart to Peleliu via helicopter to pay respect and honor the war dead. They are scheduled to visit and offer flowers to two monuments honoring the war dead: the Monument of the War Dead in the Western Pacific erected by Japanese government in the 80’s for perished Imperial soldiers and the U.S. Army 81st Infantry Division Memorial also on Peleliu.
Their trip to Peleliu marks the end of their historical visit. The Imperial Couple will bid farewell in the afternoon and depart their long journey back to Japan.
Palau has long shared a special relationship with Japan, diplomatically and historically. This visit is anticipated to further strengthen and foster that relationship.
