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Thursday June 8, 9:54 AMLEAD: Emperor Akihito, Empress Michiko leave for Southeast Asia trip(Kyodo) _ (EDS: UPDATING WITH DEPARTURE)Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko departed Thursday morning from Tokyo's Haneda airport for a weeklong visit to Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. It is the couple's first visit to Singapore, and the visit to Thailand and Malaysia is their second since the emperor ascended to the throne in 1989. They last visited the two countries in 1991. Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako, as well as Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, saw off the couple at the airport. Singapore marks the 40th anniversary of its national foundation and normalization of diplomatic relations with Japan this year. The couple will attend a banquet to be hosted by Singaporean President S.R. Nathan as state guests. The emperor is expected to give a speech at the event. After visiting Malaysia, the couple will travel to Thailand to participate in events marking the 60th anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's reign. |
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