Emperor of Japan Holds Meeting with Micronesia's Leader
Japan's Emperor Naruhito Meets with Micronesian President, Reinforcing Peaceful Ties
Japan's Emperor Naruhito held a significant meeting with Micronesian President Wesley Simina at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on July 30, 2025. The 30-minute discussion marked a continuation of the ongoing reconciliation and mutual respect between the two nations, particularly in relation to their shared wartime history and postwar peace efforts.
During the meeting, Emperor Naruhito expressed his sorrow over the loss of many lives in Micronesia during World War II and conveyed gratitude for Micronesia’s cooperation in helping Japan collect the remains of those who died in the war. President Simina, in turn, praised Japan's postwar contributions to world peace.
The Emperor also thanked Simina for visiting Fukushima Prefecture in March 2011 to observe the reconstruction efforts following the devastating earthquake and tsunami in the Tohoku northeastern Japan region. This visit served as a testament to the diplomatic ties between the two countries and Japan’s acknowledgment of Micronesia's role in regional peace and cooperation.
The meeting aligns with Emperor Naruhito’s broader efforts to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II by engaging with leaders of countries affected by the war and promoting peace and remembrance.
In a separate report by the Jiji Press, Ltd., President Simina's visit to Fukushima Prefecture was detailed, highlighting his intention to learn about the progress of the reconstruction efforts in the region.
Eighty years have passed since World War II ended, according to the Imperial Household Agency. The disaster in the Tohoku northeastern Japan region, including Fukushima, occurred in March 2011. The ongoing reconstruction efforts in Fukushima Prefecture were still underway at the time of President Simina's visit in March 2011.
This meeting and President Simina's visit to Fukushima Prefecture serve as symbolic gestures of cooperation and mutual respect between Japan and Micronesia, reinforcing their commitment to peace and healing from past wounds.
A photo from the meeting between Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Micronesian President Wesley Simina was widely shared, showcasing their mutual respect and ongoing efforts towards peace and reconciliation, particularly amidst their shared war-and-conflicts history.
In a political statement, President Simina acknowledged Japan's general-news contributions to world peace, highlighting their cooperation during postwar peace efforts and Japan's aid in reconstructing Fukushima Prefecture following the disaster in 2011.