Japanese Prince Fumihito, the younger son of Emperor Akihito, and his wife Princess Kiko are planning an official trip to Poland and Finland for about 10 days in late June as Japan marks the centenary of diplomatic ties with the countries, the Imperial Household Agency said Wednesday.
If it goes ahead, it will be the first overseas trip by members of the imperial family after the abdication of Emperor Akihito on April 30, according to the agency. Crown Prince Naruhito will succeed him as emperor the following day.
Prince Fumihito will become first in line to the throne after the forthcoming imperial succession, but the couple will be traveling on a commercial plane, instead of using a government jet, it said.
Due to security reasons, a government plane has been used for many years when the emperor or the crown prince travels abroad.
On the trip to Poland and Finland, the agency is making arrangements for the couple to attend ceremonies and make courtesy calls to the presidents of the two countries.
Their elder daughter, Princess Mako, is slated to visit Peru and Bolivia in mid-July to mark 120 years since Japanese immigration to the South American countries began. It will be her fifth official visit abroad.
Their couple's younger daughter, Princess Kako, who will graduate from university this spring, could visit Austria and Hungary as Japan celebrates the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the two countries, an official at the agency said.
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