TOKYO: Ahead of his official visit to Indonesia from Saturday, Japanese Emperor Naruhito on Thursday expressed hope for more exchanges between young people from his country and the Southeast Asian nation.

“I hope that exchanges between the young generations of our country and Indonesia will become more active, and that exchanges and friendship between the two countries will further deepen,” the Emperor told a news conference at the Imperial Palace.

Recalling the 2004 earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, the Emperor said that his heart was in great pain as many lives were lost at that time.

He then expressed his gratitude for support from Indonesia following the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011.

During his upcoming trip, the Emperor is slated to visit a local university and meet with students studying Japanese.

“I hope that these people will gain rich experiences through their interactions with Japan, and that they will lead active lives and deepen exchanges with people of the same generation in Japan,” he said.

Referring to Japan’s occupation of Indonesia for about three years through 1945 during World War II, the Emperor said, “There was a difficult period” for the two countries’ ties.

“I think it is important to deepen our understanding of the past history and foster a love of peace,” he noted.

Emperor Naruhito positioned foreign visits for the purpose of international goodwill as “one of the most important pillars of duties to be fulfilled by the Imperial Family.”

The Emperor said he is pleased that Empress Masako, who is still recovering from an adjustment disorder, will accompany him on the trip.

“I hope she can make the visit safely while continuing to take care of her health,” he said.

JIJI Press