This visit commemorates the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

The royal couple is scheduled to attend a state dinner hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Wednesday. A special ceremony will be held in Istanbul on Thursday to celebrate the centennial anniversary, where Crown Prince Fumihito will deliver a speech.

The visit pays homage to the long-standing friendship between Japan and Türkiye, which dates back to the Meiji Era. Historical exchanges, such as the visit of Prince and Princess Komatsu to the Ottoman Empire and the tragic sinking of the Ottoman frigate Ertuğrul, have solidified the bond between the two nations.

Despite interruptions during World War II, diplomatic ties have continued to strengthen. Both countries have extended support to each other during times of crisis, such as Japan's assistance after the 1999 Türkiye earthquake and Türkiye's aid following the 2011 tsunami in Japan.

This visit is expected to further deepen the understanding and cooperation between the two nations, building on their shared history and mutual respect. (ILKHA)