Japanese Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako accept Queen Elizabeth's invitation to make state visit to United Kingdom

apan's Emperor Naruhito (L) waves to well-wishers next to Empress Masako during a New Year's greeting ceremony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. (AFP PHOTO)

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako have accepted an invite from Queen Elizabeth to make a state visit to the United Kingdom in early 2020.

"Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan have accepted an invitation from Her Majesty The Queen to pay a State Visit to the United Kingdom in Spring 2020," Buckingham Palace said.

"Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress (Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako) will stay at Windsor Castle," the palace said.