Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh Conclude Successful Official Visit to Japan

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh recently wrapped up a four-day official visit to Japan, demonstrating the depth and diversity of UK-Japan relations through exchanges in various areas, such as innovation, environmental preservation, cultural heritage, youth empowerment, and women’s leadership. The visit focused on strengthening the historic partnership between the two nations.

The royal tour commenced with the announcement of three new programs under the "MUSUBI Initiative" at the British Embassy in Japan. Notable among these was a mentorship program aimed at emerging female leaders and the establishment of a career support network for women in the financial sector. Such initiatives are intended to cultivate long-term interpersonal connections between the UK and Japan.

During their visit, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh had the opportunity to meet with Emperor and Empress of Japan, as well as Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, reaffirming the close ties between the British Royal Family and the Japanese Imperial Family.

One particularly memorable event during the visit was a tree-planting ceremony held at the Akasaka Palace. The couple planted a sapling of British oak, nurtured from a tree planted by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1975. This poignant act symbolizes the friendship shared between the two nations across generations.

The Duke engaged with children participating in nature experiences at Kasai Rinkai Park and visited the British School in Tokyo, where he learned about the NGO "Mirai no Mori," which supports children living in welfare facilities through outdoor activities. Additionally, he met with the British athletes participating in the World Athletics Championships held in Tokyo.

The Duchess focused on humanitarian efforts by interacting with Ukrainian refugees at a center in Shibuya, Tokyo, and explored advanced accessibility technologies at the Miraikan (National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation). She also participated in discussions concerning Japan’s role in global issues related to "Women, Peace, and Security."

At the UNESCO World Heritage site of Koyasan, both royals had the opportunity to immerse themselves in Japan's spiritual culture and engaged with local children participating in the British Council's English learning program.

Moreover, the Duke visited the Sumitomo Electric Industries in Osaka, where he held discussions with engineers expected to work at a new factory based in the port of Nigg, Scotland, further promoting UK-Japan business collaboration.

The culmination of their official visit was a trip to the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. There, both royals explored the UK Pavilion showcasing British innovation and engaged with students learning about science at the "Come Power the Future" exhibition, which features UK-Japan partnerships in fields such as nuclear fusion and offshore wind energy. They also attended exhibitions such as "Between Lives" at the Japan Pavilion and participated in a tea gathering with children involved in British-led creative exchanges. Finally, the Duchess took part in a panel discussion on gender equality organized by UN Women, closing the visit with a reception celebrating women in energy, sustainability, and science and technology.

Julia Longbottom, the British Ambassador to Japan, remarked, "The Duke and Duchess’s visit reaffirmed the strength of UK-Japan friendship, encompassing shared commitments to empowering the next generation, highlighting women's roles in environmental conservation and economic sectors, and addressing global challenges. The connections forged during this visit are expected to develop and strengthen over the coming years."