Caroline Kennedy welcomed to Japan by thousands

Kennedy's father was prepared to become the first sitting American president to visit Japan before his assassination 50 years ago.

By Gabrielle Levy
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New U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy arrives at Yokota Air Base on November 21, 2013. Caroline Kennedy is the daughter of former President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated 50 years ago on November 22, 1963. UPI/Keizo Mori
1 of 2 | New U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy arrives at Yokota Air Base on November 21, 2013. Caroline Kennedy is the daughter of former President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated 50 years ago on November 22, 1963. UPI/Keizo Mori | License Photo

Nov 19. (UPI) -- Newly minted ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy presented her credentials to the emperor following a traditional procession through the streets of Tokyo.

Thousands of people lined the streets to watch and cheer as Kennedy, 55, was transported via a horse-drawn carriage made a century ago for ambassadorial arrivals. She was taken to the Imperial Palace where she met with Emperor Akihito, marking the official beginning of her tenure as ambassador.

Kennedy arrived for her new position the same week as the 50th anniversary of her father's assassination. President John F. Kennedy was set to become the first sitting U.S. president to visit Japan.

According to the Imperial Household Agency, Kennedy handed the emperor a letter from President Barack Obama, along with the resignation letter of her predecessor, John Roos.

[Bloomberg]

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