LEUVEN, Belgium - Japan's Emperor Naruhito and King Philippe on Wednesday visited KU Leuven, a prestigious university in central Belgium and one of Europe's oldest, where they viewed Japan-donated books in the university's library and met with students.
The university library, destroyed during World War I, was rebuilt with Japanese support after a visit in 1921 by Emperor Hirohito, Emperor Naruhito's grandfather who was crown prince at the time, helped spur the effort.
Emperor Naruhito perused items such as the "Nihon Shoki" (Chronicles of Japan) and "Eiga Monogatari" (A Tale of Flowering Fortunes) laid out on library tables. He appeared surprised to see that the volumes bore printed markings showing they had been donated by the then Imperial Household Ministry about 100 years ago.
He was also given an explanation with photo panels showing Emperor Hirohito's visit to the burnt-out ruins of the library.
Speaking in Japanese with Belgian students studying about Japan, the emperor asked them what had sparked their interest.
After the university tour, Emperor Naruhito walked over to a crowd outside with King Philippe, smiling and wishing everyone well in the intense summer heat.
Earlier in the day, the emperor visited the world-renowned semiconductor technology research hub, imec, where he engaged with Japanese researchers and others.
Thursday marks the final day of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako's Belgium itinerary. The imperial couple plans to meet Belgians with ties to Japan at the Japanese ambassador's official residence before heading home.
The couple's two-week trip to the Netherlands and Belgium was their fourth official overseas visit aimed at promoting international goodwill since Emperor Naruhito's accession to the throne. They are slated to arrive back in Japan on Friday.
