Dutch king and queen start official visit to Japan, greeted by emperor and empress

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands are escorted by Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko as Crown Prince Narhito and Crown Princess Masako look on, during a welcoming ceremony at the Imperial Palace in TokyoThe Dutch king and queen have arrived in Japan on an official visit and were welcomed in a special ceremony at the imperial palace in Tokyo by emperor Akihito and his wife Michiko.

The ceremony was also attended by the reclusive crown princess Masako, who has not been at such an event for the past five years.

The Dutch royals are accompanied by new foreign minister Bert Koenders and economic affairs minister Henk Kamp, who is heading up a large trade mission.

On Friday, the king and queen will move on to South Korea.

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