Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited the Osaka Expo in western Japan on October 6.

At the UN Pavilion, they toured a zone that illustrates the connections between United Nations agencies and people’s daily lives.

They listened to explanations in English while observing the exhibits.

The imperial couple also stopped at the Future of Life pavilion, produced by Japanese roboticist Ishiguro Hiroshi, a professor at the University of Osaka.

They watched videos and displays depicting a future 50 years from now in which humans coexist with androids.

While observing an android modeled after Natsume Soseki, a Japanese literary giant from the early 20th century, Ishiguro explained that historical figures can continue to live as androids.

The emperor responded to the prospect with interest.