The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh visit Japan

Friday 19th September

Their Royal Highnesses began their first full day of the visit at a Musubi Initiative Reception. Here, they met guests from MUSUBI partner organisations such as Liverpool Football Club's International Academy, SSE Pacifico, Robert Walters, and University College London. 

Their Royal Highnesses also met Hello Kitty, who serves as a MUSUBI friendship ambassador.

The newly launched MUSUBI, which means ‘connection’ in Japanese, initiative is designed to build relationships between people and businesses in the UK and Japan. The initiative will secure investment to support programmes including scholarships, sports and cultural exchanges, and women's empowerment in business. 

During the reception, The Duke and Duchess watched a short musical performance, and The Duke gave a 'kanpai' (meaning 'toast') to celebrate the initiative's successes and growing network of supporting partners.

Next, at the Akasaka Detached Palace, Their Royal Highnesses undertook a private audience with Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino in recognition of the ties between the Royal and Imperial families. 

The Duke and Duchess planted an oak sapling in the garden of the Akasaka State Guest House, cultivated from a seed of the original tree Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II planted during a State Visit in May 1975. 

This new planting continues the tradition of Royal visits being commemorated through tree planting ceremonies, maintaining the living connection between the UK and Japan.

Following the tree planting, at the National Sumo Arena, Their Royal Highnesses experienced Japan's traditional national sport of Sumo Wrestling ahead of the return of the Grand Sumo Tournament to the UK in October at the Royal Albert Hall.

Sumo wrestling has origins dating back over 1,500 years, beginning as religious rituals performed to entertain the gods and pray for good harvests. 

During the visit, The Duke and Duchess met the Chairperson of the Sumo Association as well as a sumo stable manager and wrestler. 

At the Imperial Palace, Their Royal Highnesses were received for a private audience with Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress of Japan to reaffirm ties between households and celebrate the breadth of the UK-Japan relationship. 

Saturday 20th September

The Duke of Edinburgh in Tokyo

The Duke visited Kasai Rinkai Park, where he learned about the marine park’s conservation work to protect nature from pollution and climate change. His Royal Highness met children taking part in a wildlife mapping event before visiting the protected East Pier to observe the bird sanctuary. 

Later, The Duke met representatives from the UK Athletics World Championship Team at the Ambassador’s Residence, including management and coaching staff ahead of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

His Royal Highness also visited the British School in Tokyo, where he met children from Seibi Home, representatives from Mirai no Mori, and students taking part in The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. The Duke joined children playing traditional Japanese games and spoke with the Principal about the school’s educational and charitable work. In the evening, The Duke attended a BirdLife International Reception at the Ambassador’s Residence. 

The event raised awareness of the Mouse-Free Marion Project, which aims to protect seabirds and native species on Marion Island. His Royal Highness co-hosted the reception with Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado, the British Ambassador, and the CEO of BirdLife International.

The Duchess of Edinburgh in Tokyo

The Duchess visited the Ukraine Mental Health Exchange Centre in Shibuya, which supports Ukrainian refugees in Japan. Her Royal Highness met volunteers and refugees at Kokorogoto Café, before observing a calligraphy class for Ukrainian families. The Duchess also met representatives from local organisations providing legal and language support.

Her Royal Highness then toured the Nezu Museum, viewing its collection of Japanese and East Asian art, including ceramics and tea pottery, and walked through the museum garden.

The Duchess visited Miraikan, the National Museum of Emerging Science, where she explored exhibitions on space, the environment, and robotics. Her Royal Highness met Dr Chieko Asakawa to learn about accessibility technology and trialled an AI suitcase designed for people with visual impairments.

In the evening, The Duchess attended a Women, Peace and Security Dinner, meeting Japanese stakeholders to discuss progress and challenges on this important issue.

Sunday 21st September

Their Royal Highnesses visited Sojiin Temple, a historic temple founded during the Kyuan era. They were welcomed by the Mayor of Koya and the Governor of Wakayama Prefecture and took part in a traditional gift exchange in a Tatami Room.

The Duke and Duchess then visited Kongobuji Temple, the head temple of Koyasan and the spiritual centre of the Shingon Buddhist sect. Their Royal Highnesses entered through the Imperial Entrance, learned about the Grand Hall, and viewed the Japanese Garden and Okuden Sitting Room.

At the Reihoukan Museum, Their Royal Highnesses viewed national treasures and Buddhist statues linked to Shingon Buddhism, including a statue of Kobo Daishi, the founder of Koyasan.

Their Royal Highnesses also visited Danjo Garan, where they met students from Koya Elementary and British Council programmes. At the Rokkaku Kyouzou, children demonstrated the rotation of the hexagonal sutra repository, believed to bring spiritual merit.

The Duke and Duchess then visited the Sacred Pine Tree to learn about its history. The visit concluded at Okunoin Cemetery, the resting place of Kobo Daishi and one of Koyasan’s most sacred sites. Their Royal Highnesses crossed the Ichi No Hashi Bridge and learned about the site’s spiritual significance.

Monday 22nd September

The Duke visited Sumitomo Electric Industries, where he toured the research centre and cable manufacturing facility. His Royal Highness learned about the company’s wiring programme in Scotland and observed the full production process. The Duke also met engineers from SEI’s Scottish factory who were training in Japan.

Their Royal Highnesses visited Expo 2025, Japan’s largest international event of the decade. The Duchess visited the Women’s Pavilion, where she toured the exhibits and heard stories of female leaders, artists and activists. Her Royal Highness delivered opening remarks at a UN Women panel event on gender equality before observing the discussion.

The Duke and Duchess toured the Japan Pavilion, experiencing its theme of ‘Between Lives’, which explores the cycle of life through three zones: Farm, Factory and Plant. Their Royal Highnesses then visited the UK Pavilion, which showcased the UK as a hub of innovation. They explored interactive exhibits telling the story of UK innovation and joined the ‘Come Power the Future’ showcase, highlighting UK-Japan partnerships in clean energy.

The Duke and Duchess met representatives from UK companies working in offshore wind and fusion energy. Their Royal Highnesses attended a children’s tea party at the UK Pavilion, celebrating music created by children for the Pavilion with a live performance.

The visit concluded with the ‘Come Build the Future’ reception, where Their Royal Highnesses met guests and celebrated the UK’s leadership in sustainability and women’s role in green technology.