Posted on 03/02/2009 1:37:02 PM PST by Free ThinkerNY
The Japanese emperor is likely to become the first member of the imperial dynasty to visit Pearl Harbor, the site of Japan's surprise attack on the U.S. during World War II.
Emperor Akihito, who was seven years old when the airborne assault took place, and his wife Empress Michiko are thought to be planning a highly symbolic 'unofficial' stopover in Hawaii en route to Canada in July.
A trip to the site of the 1941 attack has never been undertaken by a Japanese emperor or prime minister before.
Emperor Akihito, whose father ruled Japan during World War II, hasn't travelled overseas since 2007 due to ill health.
It is thought his visit to the USS Arizona Memorial will form part of a concerted effort to strengthen his country's ties with Washington.
The couple will also meet Japanese-American groups during their tour of the island.
The Imperial Household Agency has refused to confirm whether the emperor will be making his historic visit, but Japanese media have reported it will take place in July.
Lower house speaker Yohei Kono visited Pearl Harbor in December 2008, making him the highest-ranking Japanese official to do so.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
Frisk him.
“Oh, so sorry!”
I hope the carriers are at sea...
He will probably be more respectful and observant of the Pearl Harbor vets than our own Chief Executive.
I think you got it joe.
Yep. Sad but true.
Japanese seem pretty friendly. It’s those Germans I don’t trust. Even when they’re talking about chocolate bunnies they sound like they’re plotting something.
LOL but its such an easy language to make funn of.
Then give him a mushroom.
Bump that. The Japanese do good manners extremely well, and they respect the military and patriotism.
Japanese vets have visited Iwo Jima along with some of our surviving Marines.
Has anyone here ever tried to watch German porn? Impossible.
Yep I completely agree.
I don't trust chocolate bunnies when they speak German. :)
In a former life, I had the honor of taking an American veteran of World War II (and former POW of Japan) on a tour of Hiroshima. Everywhere I went, people were kind to him, his wife and me (the guide/interpreter). He came to Japan still bitter and left with a heart full of forgiveness and appreciation. It was one of the most satisfying experiences in my life.
That’s true, unfortunately we are stuck with this illegal alien president.
But going back to the visit, He does not NEED to do this but it speaks volumes of the Emperor.
Welcome!
Japan is our best ally in the Pacific if not the world.
I am almost afraid to look at the comments on this thread.
What a great experience that must have been for all of you. My great-uncle was in the Army in the Pacific War (New Guinea, Philippines, Okinawa). He was with the occupation forces for a while after the war ended, but never went back to Asia after that.
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