Carleton University welcomed the Emperor and Empress of Japan on July 6 to honour the 80th anniversary of the founding of diplomatic relations between Canada and Japan.
Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko have come to visit Canada for a little over a week, making it their first visit to Canada as Japan’s Head of State as well as a celebration of the couple’s 50th wedding anniversary.
Scholars, professors, students, children and parents awaited their arrival in the quad at Carleton’s campus. The eager audience waved Japanese flags as their Majesties entered, followed by an entourage of 20 suited men, and all greeted by the playing of “O Canada” from the Ottawa-Carleton Catholic School Board youth choir.
Their Majesties made their way to the center of the quad, looking pleased with smiling and waving to their audience. They only stayed for a few short minutes before leaving for lunch in Dunton Tower.
After a two-hour private lunch with Carleton University chancellor Herb Gray, president Roseann O’Reilly Runte and University of Ottawa chancellor Huguette Labelle, they briefly spoke to students and scholars in Tory Building.
“It’s really nice for [their Majesties] to come for the 80th anniversary,” said Cardine Guertin, a second-year theatre student at the University of Ottawa who was selected to speak with the Emperor and Empress. “It strengthens our relations.”
Their Majesties’ stay in Canada extends from July 3-14 and includes visits to Ottawa, Victoria and Vancouver.