Japanese royals to pay visit

The Emperor and Empress of Japan are set to visit Ireland next month, it emerged today.

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko will be meeting with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, President Mary McAleese and the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Michael Conaghan, during their four-day trip in May.

The 71-year-old emperor has been head of the world’s oldest hereditary monarchy since he ascended to the Chrysanthemum Throne in 1989.

Last month he played host to Ms McAleese during her visit to Japan to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries in trade, diplomacy and culture.