Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, currently on an official visit to Mongolia, attended a welcome ceremony on July 8.  

This morning, in Sukhbaatar Square in central Ulaanbaatar, the Imperial couple stood alongside President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa and the First Lady to mark the occasion.  

As a 21-gun salute echoed across the square, the national anthems were played, and the Emperor reviewed the honor guard.  

Among those attending were three former Mongolian-born sumo grand champions—Asashoryu, Hakuho and Harumafuji—who greeted the Imperial couple.  

The event drew large crowds of citizens dressed in colorful traditional attire. The Emperor and Empress bowed in front of the giant statue of Genghis Khan and waved warmly to the people.  

Later, inside the Government Palace, the Emperor signed the guest book with his name “Naruhito.”  

The Imperial couple then moved to a traditional ger tent set up for talks with the President and the First Lady.  

Emperor Naruhito: 

For Masako, this is her first time here. We are both greatly looking forward to learning about Mongolia’s history, society and culture together. 

Afterward, the Imperial couple was scheduled to lay flowers at a memorial honoring Japanese nationals who died while interned in Mongolia in WWII.