Prince Akishino & Princess Kiko Visit Austria

Japan’s Akishino and Kiko began their four day tour of Austria Sunday. Their visit marks 140 years of relations between their country and the European nation.

The couple met with Austrian President Heinz Fischer at Hofburg Imperial Palace, and began to discuss ways to strengthen ties between Japan and Austria. Cultural and scientific ties were among the topics discussed, according to a presidential spokesman.

Cultural sights, visits to Japanese schools in Vienna will take place during the four days in Austria. Akishino and Kiko will also visit the home of composer Josef Hadyn, while Austria marks 200 years since his death.

President Fischer will be making a trip to Japan in September.

After Austria, Akishino and Kiko will move on to other places in Europe, such as Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania. The former was once part of Austria, while the other two nations will be marking 50 years of relations with Japan.

Akishino is the second son of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. He has two daughters, Kako and Mako, both teenagers, and a 2 year old son named Hisahito. The son is third in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne.

Princess Kiko once spent part of her youth in Austria. She speaks German rather well.