Ankara: Japan’s Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko arrived in Ankara on Tuesday evening, marking the royal couple’s first visit to Trkiye and the 100th anniversary of the two nations’ diplomatic relations. The visit symbolizes a significant milestone in the historical ties between Japan and Trkiye, highlighting a century of diplomatic engagement and friendship.
According to Anadolu Agency, the royal couple will participate in various events during their visit. They are set to attend a dinner hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday. Additionally, an official anniversary ceremony is planned in Istanbul on Thursday, where Crown Prince Fumihito is expected to deliver a speech, further emphasizing the importance of the relationship between the two countries. The couple is scheduled to return to Japan on Sunday.
The historical ties between Japan and Trkiye date back to the Meiji Era, which lasted from 1868 to 1912. Notably, Prince and Princess Komatsu of Japan visited the Ottoman
Empire, and the gesture was reciprocated by the Ottoman frigate Ertugrul’s visit to Japan in 1890. However, the frigate tragically sank off Wakayama Prefecture after encountering a typhoon, resulting in over 500 deaths. The survivors were cared for in Japan, and memorial ceremonies are still held in both countries to commemorate this historic link.
Despite interruptions during World War II, postwar visits by Japanese royals, including Prince Mikasa, have strengthened ties between the two nations. The countries have supported each other during crises, such as Japan’s aid after the 1999 Trkiye earthquake and Trkiye’s assistance following Japan’s 2011 tsunami. This visit by the Japanese royal couple underscores the two nations’ long-lasting bond and mutual respect, promising to enhance bilateral understanding and cooperation.