In February, it was speculated that Japan’s Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko would visit Pearl Harbor as they stop by Hawaii in July. Although it was never officially announced, news of such a visit got worldwide attention. Pearl Harbor, after all, is where the Japanese bombed U.S. Navy shifts, which led to the U.S. entering World War II. 
Well, the official news is no, the Emperor and Empress will not visit Pearl Harbor at all.
They will, though, visit Hawaii for three days in July. It is part of their two-week friendship tour that includes Canada.
They will arrive in Honolulu on July 14th, and then move on to Oahu.
Hawaii is home to a large ex-patriate Japanese community.
The last time the imperial couple traveled to Hawaii was 15 years ago, during their U.S. goodwill tour. It was speculated then that they would visit Pearl Harbor also, but political pressure from the Japanese government prevented that.
Recent Comments