Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko returned to Tokyo on Sunday after completing an official visit to Turkey. The trip highlighted the enduring relationship between Japan and Turkey, emphasizing cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
The couple began their visit in Ankara on Tuesday, where they engaged in key diplomatic activities. Crown Prince Akishino met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, while Crown Princess Kiko held a meeting with the president’s wife, underscoring their commitment to fostering strong connections at both state and personal levels.
On Thursday, the couple participated in a ceremony in Istanbul commemorating the centennial of diplomatic relations between Japan and Turkey. This event marked a significant milestone in the history of cooperation and mutual respect between the two countries.
As part of their itinerary, the crown prince and crown princess visited the Kaman-Kalehoyuk archaeological site in central Turkey on Saturday. This site holds special significance due to the contributions of the late Japanese Prince Mikasa, who participated in excavations there, further linking the historical and cultural ties between Japan and Turkey.
Concluding their visit with this meaningful stop, the royal couple departed Turkey and returned to Japan on Sunday. Their journey served as a reminder of the importance of preserving and deepening international friendships through shared history and mutual understanding.
