OTTAWA, CANADA, July 6, 2009 - Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko began an official visit to Canada Monday to mark the 80th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Arriving in a carriage escorted by mounted Royal Canadian police in their full parade red uniforms, the couple were officially greeted by Governor General Michaelle Jean, the representative of head of state Queen Elizabeth II.

"We cannot imagine a greater honor than the presence of their Majesties in Canada to mark the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Canada," Jean said as the couple arrived at the governor's residence.

She said the visit would also be a chance "to highlight the numerous and lasting ties between our peoples that have overcome the conflicts and challenges that cast a shadow over the last century."

Jean was referring to World War II when more than 22,000 Japanese immigrants were interned in labor camps mainly in western Canada following Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941.

In 1988, the Canadian government formally presented its excuses and offered compensation to the thousands of families affected by the internments, during which their assets were seized and they were denied the right to vote.

The royal couple's visit marks the 80th anniversary of the opening of the first Canadian diplomatic mission in Japan.

Jean, who was accompanied by her husband Jean-Daniel Lafond, said they and the people of Canada "hope that your presence here in Canada in this year of celebration of our friendship will open the door to infinite opportunities for sharing with Japan, to which we are forever bound in our hearts and in solidarity."

After talks, the emperor and empress planted a tree, a Canadian hemlock, a species which can be found in both Canada and Japan, in the park at the governor's residence to commemorate their visit.

The royal couple later met Prime Minister Stephen Harper ahead of a state dinner hosted by the governor general.

"It is an honor for Canada to host the Imperial Couple 56 years after Emperor Akihito first visited Canada as Crown Prince," Harper said.

"The Imperial Couple's visit is a particularly special occasion for the thousands of Canadians of Japanese descent who have contributed so much to our country.

"(I) hope they enjoy the best of Canadian hospitality during their stay." The emperor and empress arrived on Friday to be welcomed by Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon and Cooperation Minister Bev Oda.

Over the weekend they visited the popular MacKenzie King estate in the Gatineau park just outside Ottawa, which was once the home to Canada's longest serving prime minister and is now a popular botanical gardens.

On Wednesday, the Japanese royals will travel to Toronto, the country's financial capital, before traveling to British Colombia on the west coast. They will then travel to Hawaii.

The 75-year-old emperor visited Canada once before in 1953 as a 19-year-old prince on his first overseas trip. Then he crossed Canada by train on his way to Britain for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth as a representative of his father, the late emperor Hirohito.

"Our sincerest wish is that the memories that Their Majesties gather over the next few days will be added to those that His Majesty has kept from that visit, with our assurance that, as the Japanese-inspired proverb says, "No road is long with good company,'" Jean added.

--AFP