Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko welcomed Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang on Wednesday in what may be the final state banquet before the Emperor abdicates next April.
Events to show hospitality to state guests, including banquets, are known to have been a great burden for the 84-year-old Emperor, who in 2016 revealed his intention to step down, citing concerns about his age and weakening health. He will become the first Japanese monarch to do so in about 200 years.
As a result of that burden, the Imperial Household Agency has asked the Prime Minister's Office to invite fewer state guests. There are currently no plans to welcome any more state guests prior to the Emperor's abdication.