German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder will fly to Japan with Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi in the latter's government jet to watch the World Cup Soccer final between Germany and Brazil in Yokohama on Sunday, the top government spokesman said Thursday.
Schroeder asked for the lift during a reception at the Group of Eight summit of major powers in the Canadian Rockies resort of Kananaskis, Alberta.
"The German government has asked us whether (Schroeder) could board the same plane after the summit in Canada," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda said. "Considering the friendly relations between Japan and Germany, the government is willing to accept the request."
It will be the first time for a foreign leader to board the governmental plane, according to Fukuda.
They are to arrive in Tokyo on Saturday.