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  Life   More Features  20 Sep 2017  Japan's emperor visits shrine for ancient Korean settlers

Japan's emperor visits shrine for ancient Korean settlers

AP
Published : Sep 20, 2017, 1:56 pm IST
Updated : Sep 20, 2017, 1:56 pm IST

He was accompanied by his wife Empress Michiko.

Japan's Emperor Akihito, second from left, and Empress Michiko, listen to a priest, right, as they visit Koma Shrine in Hidaka, northwest of Tokyo, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. (Photo: AP)
 Japan's Emperor Akihito, second from left, and Empress Michiko, listen to a priest, right, as they visit Koma Shrine in Hidaka, northwest of Tokyo, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. (Photo: AP)

TOKYO: Japan's Emperor Akihito has visited a shrine dedicated to ancient Korean settlers in a small town north of Tokyo.

Palace officials say Akihito, accompanied by his wife, Empress Michiko, paid respects Wednesday at the Koma Shrine as part of his two-day private study trip to the region. Akihito has made short trips to learn local history, tradition and culture for more than a decade.

Koma Shrine says nearly 1,800 Koreans settled in the area in the 7th century. The 83-year-old Akihito also viewed red spider lilies at a nearby park.

Akihito has noted an ancient Japanese document citing a link between Japanese monarchy and the Korean dynasty, as he expressed friendship with South Korea.

Preparations for his abdication are underway after he expressed his wish to retire in 2017.

Tags: japan, tokyo, emperor akihito, empress michiko, koma shrine, ancient, korean, south korea