The Emperor, on the first day of his official visit to the Netherlands, expressed grief and sadness Tuesday that the two nations fought in World War II, which he said has left "unhealed scars" among war victims even today.
The Emperor, who arrived in Amsterdam with the Empress earlier in the day, voiced his contrition during a speech at a state banquet hosted by Queen Beatrix.
The Emperor said Japan and the Netherlands have enjoyed close historical ties since the two countries first made contact 400 years ago, when the Dutch ship Liefde drifted ashore at Usuki in Kyushu in 1600.
"It truly saddens me that the two countries had to engage each other in the last world war after such a history had unfolded between us," he said in his address at the Royal Palace.