Discussions are underway for Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako to make official visits to the Netherlands and Belgium in June 2026, according to sources.

The imperial couple has received invitations from both countries.

The visit is expected to last about two weeks. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako are expected to attend banquets and welcome events in both capitals.

The imperial couple has had a long-standing family relationship with the royal couples of both countries. In 2006, the Japanese Imperial Family visited the Netherlands for rest and recuperation for Empress Masako.

In 2025, Dutch King Willem-Alexander visited the Imperial Palace.

The emperor and empress attended the wedding of the then-Prince Philippe of Belgium in 1999.

The year 2026 marks the 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Belgium.