Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko will visit Kumamoto Prefecture as early as next week to meet residents affected by the major earthquakes that struck central Kyushu last month, a source close to the matter said Wednesday.
With aftershocks persisting and the Imperial Couple scheduled to attend spring decoration events until May 18, a one-day visit is being arranged for the following day, the source said.
The Imperial Couple had indicated their wish to visit the region as soon as possible after the magnitude-6.5 quake on April 14, followed by a magnitude-7.3 quake two days later, according to a senior Imperial Household Agency official.
As prefectural officials are still dealing with the aftermath of the major temblors, the agency has said the prefecture's decision on the date should be prioritized.
The Emperor and Empress are expected to take a chartered flight to Kumamoto from Tokyo's Haneda airport and meet with Kumamoto Gov. Ikuo Kabashima to receive a briefing on the extent of the damage in the prefecture.
The couple would also visit some of the hardest-hit areas, including Mashiki and Minamiaso, and meet those who have been affected.
The Emperor and Empress canceled trips and events from the day after the initial jolt and sent condolence money to Kumamoto Prefecture on April 22.
The couple last visited the prefecture in October 2013 to attend a ceremony for promoting the country's fishing industry.