Welcoming Ceremony of Their Majesties
Their Majesties arrived at Rideau Hall by horse-drawn carriage for the official welcoming ceremony. It is Emperor Akihito’s first visit to Canada since he visited as Crown Prince in 1953, touring several Canadian cities en route to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The State visit marks the 80th anniversary of the opening of Canada’s first diplomatic mission to Japan.
Mon, 07/06/2009 - 12:00 MCpl Jean-François Néron, Rideau Hall GG2009-0315-005
The Emperor and Empress meet with young members of the Japanese community during the welcoming ceremony at Rideau Hall.
Mon, 07/06/2009 - 12:00 MCpl Jean-François Néron, Rideau Hall GG2009-0315-027
Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan are visiting Canada from July 3 to 14. They will travel to Ottawa, Toronto, Victoria and Vancouver.
Mon, 07/06/2009 - 12:00 MCpl Jean-François Néron, Rideau Hall GG2009-0315-052
Before leaving the grounds of Rideau Hall, Their Majesties took the time to meet the Japanese community.
Mon, 07/06/2009 - 12:00 MCpl Jean-François Néron, Rideau Hall GG2009-0315-051
Her Majesty the Empress did the same. The Canadian Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) was chosen because it grows both in Japan and in Canada.
Mon, 07/06/2009 - 12:00 MCpl Jean-François Néron, Rideau Hall GG2009-0315-050
His Majesty the Emperor used the ceremonial spade presented to him and threw a shovelful of earth onto the base of the tree, a Canadian Hemlock.
Mon, 07/06/2009 - 12:00 MCpl Jean-François Néron, Rideau Hall GG2009-0315-049
After the meeting, Their Excellencies and Their Majesties walked through Rideau Hall’s garden, towards the Tree-Planting site. Over 120 commemorative trees grace the grounds of Rideau Hall. They mark visits by members of the Royal Family, heads of State and other dignitaries.
Mon, 07/06/2009 - 12:00 MCpl Jean-François Néron, Rideau Hall GG2009-0315-055
Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, and His Majesty the Emperor had a meeting, following the welcoming ceremony.
Mon, 07/06/2009 - 12:00 MCpl Jean-François Néron, Rideau Hall GG2009-0315-045
“This will be my second visit to Canada. My first visit was in 1953, the year after the Peace Treaty took effect, when I was nineteen years old. Fifty six years have passed since then, and I am much delighted that I will be visiting Canada once again, this time with the Empress for whom this will be Her first visit.” (Reflections by His Majesty the Emperor on his visit)
Mon, 07/06/2009 - 12:00 MCpl Jean-François Néron, Rideau Hall GG2009-0315-040
“We cannot imagine a greater honour than the presence of Their Majesties in Canada to mark the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Canada. This visit also gives us the opportunity to highlight the numerous and lasting ties between our peoples that have overcome the conflicts and challenges that cast a shadow over the last century.”
Mon, 07/06/2009 - 12:00 MCpl Jean-François Néron, Rideau Hall GG2009-0315-031
The National Anthem of Japan was played for the State Salute. During the anthem, there was a twenty-one Gun Salute.
Mon, 07/06/2009 - 12:00 MCpl Jean-François Néron, Rideau Hall GG2009-0315-021
His Majesty the Emperor inspects the guard of honour.
Mon, 07/06/2009 - 12:00 MCpl Jean-François Néron, Rideau Hall GG2009-0315-018
Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Jean-Daniel Lafond welcomed the Emperor and Empress of Japan.
Mon, 07/06/2009 - 12:00 MCpl Jean-François Néron, Rideau Hall GG2009-0315-009
His Excellency Jean-Daniel Lafond introduces his daughter Marie-Éden to Her Majesty the Empress of Japan.
Mon, 07/06/2009 - 12:00 MCpl Jean-François Néron, Rideau Hall GG2009-0315-029