The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have completed a meaningful four-day visit to Japan, highlighting the close and long-standing ties between the UK and

Japan. Their visit celebrated shared commitments to innovation, sustainability, youth opportunity, and women’s leadership.

Throughout their stay, Their Royal Highnesses met with Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, as well as Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino, underscoring the deep friendship between the British Royal Family and Japan’s Imperial Family.

One of the most symbolic moments of the visit came during a tree planting ceremony at the State Guest House. The couple planted an English oak grown from the tree Queen Elizabeth II planted during her 1975 state visit — a living reminder of the enduring bond between the two nations.

The programme also spotlighted collaboration in education, youth, and community projects. The Duke spent time with children at Kasai Marine Park learning about wildlife, visited the British School in Tokyo, and met young people supported by Mirai no Mori, a charity that empowers children in care homes through outdoor activities. He also took the opportunity to encourage British athletes competing in the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

The Duchess focused on humanitarian and social issues during her engagements. She met with Ukrainian refugees at the Shibuya Himawari Center, explored accessibility innovations at the National Museum of Emerging Science & Innovation, and joined discussions on Japan’s role in advancing Women, Peace and Security.

Their Royal Highnesses also visited Koyasan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where they were guided by local schoolchildren participating in a British Council programme that uses English learning to connect cultures.

Business and technology links were another theme of the trip. The Duke toured Sumitomo Electric Industries in Osaka, where Japanese engineers are preparing to work at SEI’s new facility in Scotland. At Expo 2025 Osaka, the couple visited the UK Pavilion, which showcases British innovation in clean energy, and met students exploring careers in science and sustainability. The Duchess also spoke at a UN Women panel on gender equality, while both attended a reception celebrating women leaders in energy, science, and technology.

The visit began with the launch of three new programmes under the MUSUBI Initiative at the British Embassy Tokyo, including mentorship opportunities for emerging female leaders and support networks for women in finance. These projects aim to build lasting personal and professional links between the UK and Japan.

From cultural heritage to cutting-edge science, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh’s visit highlighted the breadth of collaboration between the UK and Japan — and looked ahead to an even stronger partnership for the future. 

Ambassador Julia Longbottom said:  

“This visit reaffirmed the strength of the friendship between the UK and Japan, from our shared commitment to empowering the next generation to our collaboration on global challenges, like conservation and boosting the role of women in all aspects of the economy. The connections forged will continue to flourish for years to come”.