Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako to visit Kumamoto earthquake victims

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako are scheduled to visit Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday, September 29, to meet with those affected by the powerful earthquake that struck in July. The one-day trip was approved during a cabinet meeting on Friday.

The Imperial couple will arrive at Kumamoto Airport via a special flight from Tokyo's Haneda Airport. Following a briefing from Kumamoto Governor Takashi Kimura regarding the earthquake damage, they will travel to Yatsushiro by Self-Defense Force helicopter. The itinerary also includes visits to the town of Hikawa and the city of Uki, where the Imperial couple will inspect disaster-hit areas and interact with local residents and relief workers.

This marks the first time the Emperor and Empress have visited Kumamoto together since 1999. The visit may be postponed to Wednesday in the event of inclement weather.