AMSTERDAM - Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako watched the Japan-Netherlands World Cup football match on television with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima at a royal residence in the central Dutch city of Apeldoorn on Sunday night.
The Dutch royal household posted photos on Instagram showing the emperor and empress, with blue towels in the colors of Japan's national team draped over their shoulders, smiling alongside the Dutch royal couple.
The post said sports bring people closer together and was accompanied by a selfie taken by the king alongside the emperor.
The Dutch royal couple suggested watching the match together, according to Japan's Imperial Household Agency.
The emperor and empress have been staying at Het Oude Loo Castle, a royal retreat, since Saturday at the special invitation of the Dutch royal couple.
In 2002, when they were crown prince and crown princess, the emperor and empress watched a Japan-Belgium match at Saitama Stadium with Belgium's then Crown Prince Philippe and Crown Princess Mathilde.
