The Japanese Imperial Family hosted Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Joséphine Charlotte of Luxembourg on their State Visit to Japan on this day in 1999, 25 years ago, which was their last State Visit before the Grand Duke’s Abdication. The latest Luxembourg State Visit to Japan was held in 2017, which as the last before the Abdication of Emperor Akihito of Japan.
At the start of the State Visit, Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Joséphine Charlotte were officially welcomed by Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko in a ceremony at the Akasaka State Guesthouse, which was followed by an Audience with the Imperial Family at the Imperial Palace of Tokyo.
In the evening, Emperor Akihito (wearing the Order of the Gold Lion of the House of Nassau) and Empress Michiko (in the Imperial Chrysanthemum Tiara and the Order of the Gold Lion of the House of Nassau) hosted a State Banquet in honour of Grand Duke Jean (in the Order of the Chrysanthemum) and Grand Duchess Joséphine Charlotte (wearing the Belgian Scroll Tiara and Order of the Precious Crown) at the Imperial Palace of Tokyo.
The following evening, Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Joséphine Charlotte (wearing her Floral Diamond Necklace) hosted a Return Reception for Emperor Akihito, Empress Michiko, and other members of the Japanese Imperial Family at the Akasaka State Guesthouse.
Other events included a visit to the Home for Infants of the Japan Red Cross Medical Center, a Dinner hosted by Prime Minister Obuchi at his official residence in Tokyo before the Grand Ducal Couple were seen off by the Emperor and Empress at JR Otsuki Station in Otsuki in Yamanashi.
