Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko attended welcoming ceremonies at the official residence of the governor general of Canada on July 6 in Ottawa, at the start of official functions on a tour of Canada marking the 80th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The Emperor and Empress arrived at the official residence by carriage, greeted by more than 100 Canadians of Japanese ancestry. They participated in a guard of honor ceremony in the square in front of the main entrance to Rideau Hall, with a gun salute fired.

"It's my sincere hope that our visit this time will contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding and friendly relations between your country and our country, which celebrate the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties," the Emperor said in an address.

The Imperial Couple, who arrived in Ottawa on July 3, will travel to Toronto, Victoria and Vancouver after leaving the Canadian capital July 15. They are scheduled to stop in Hawaii before returning to Tokyo on July 17.