WorldJapan's emperor arrived in Vietnam on Tuesday for a whirlwind tour that will include a meeting with families of Japanese soldiers who stayed there after World War II. The 83-year-old Akihito and his wife, Michiko, are on their first visit to the country, the latest in a series of trips to former battlegrounds. Akihito and Michiko are scheduled to visit Hanoi and the former imperial capital of Hue, according to the official programme. On Thursday they are set to meet family members of some of the Japanese soldiers who stayed in Vietnam after the end of Japan's five-year occupation in 1945. The tour comes after Akihito suggested last year he is ready to step down, citing his age and increasing frailty.

Source: Sunday Times February 28, 2017 12:56 UTC