Japan's Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko visited a special exhibition at Kokugakuin University Museum in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward, celebrating the 160th anniversary of Japan-Belgium diplomatic relations. The exhibition, opening May 23, 2026, features about 40 items from the Royal Museums of Art and History in Belgium, including a flower vase donated by Emperor Meiji and diplomatic documents. The royal couple viewed the exhibits while listening to explanations from a Belgian researcher.
This visit underscores the longstanding friendship between Japan's Imperial Family and the Belgian royal family, highlighting cultural diplomacy through art. The exhibition serves as a symbolic bridge between the two nations, using historical artifacts to commemorate and strengthen bilateral ties. While the event is primarily diplomatic and ceremonial, it brings attention to the role of museum exhibitions in fostering international relations.