Princess Mako, the first grandchild of Japanese Emperor Akihito, was greeted Friday in the Bhutanese capital Thimphu with a welcome ceremony with traditional music and dance performances, followed by a private audience with the country's royal couple.
Dressed in a traditional Japanese kimono, the 25-year-old princess talked with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and his wife Queen Jetsun Pema for about 40 minutes without the aid of an interpreter at Tashichho Dzong fortress which houses the king's offices, the government and a monastery, according to Japan's Imperial Household Agency.
The princess, the eldest daughter of Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko, delivered a message from the emperor expressing his wish for further development of relations between the two countries, the agency said.
The king replied that the visit by the princess will strengthen the countries' friendly ties, according to the agency.
After attending a luncheon with the royal couple, the princess took part in an event introducing Japanese culture.
