TOKYO, May 7 (UPI) -- The emperor and empress of Japan left the country Saturday for an eight-day excursion to Ireland and Norway, Kyodo News reported.
Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko were seen off at Tokyo's Haneda airport by Crown Prince Naruhito and Prince Akishino and their wives, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, and other well-wishers.
"We would be pleased if our visits to both countries contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding and friendly relations between each of the two countries and our country," Akihito said, before boarding the government jet.
The trip is the royal couple's first venture abroad since a July 2002 visit to Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Austria.
They are expected to arrive in Dublin, Ireland, Saturday afternoon. They are scheduled to leave Tuesday for Oslo, Norway.
