Akihito to Visit 3 Asian Nations; 1st Such Trip by a Japan Emperor

TOKYO — In a move to emphasize the importance that Japan places on its diplomatic relations in Asia, the government announced Friday that Emperor Akihito will make his first overseas trip since he was enthroned, visiting Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia this fall.

Never before has a Japanese emperor visited any Asian country.

Although close relations between the Thai and Japanese imperial families figured prominently in the inclusion of Thailand on the tour, the announcement, coming after a bloodless coup Feb. 23 in Bangkok, also re-emphasized the path that democratic Japan is following in dealing with the issue of democracy in other nations.

Japan was the first major country to resume normal relations with China after Beijing’s harsh repression of the pro-democracy movement there two years ago. And only briefly after the Thai coup did Tokyo suspend its large aid program, which last year amounted to $595 million in loans and grants, or 70% of all the international assistance that Thailand received. Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu, moreover, visited Bangkok in late April and promised new aid at least equal to last year’s amount.

The United States, by contrast, announced that it would halt military assistance to Bangkok and a small economic aid program until new elections are held.

Japanese Imperial Household Agency officials said the three countries were selected because of their “political stability” in addition to Japan’s “close ties” with each of them.

The trip by Akihito and Empress Michiko will begin Sept. 26 and last about 10 days, Misoji Sakamoto, chief Cabinet secretary, said after the Cabinet gave its approval. A detailed itinerary will be worked out later, he said.

Selection of Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia for the imperial couple’s first overseas trip was intended to bolster Japan’s standing in Asia, where resentment against its aggressive past still lingers.