The King and Queen of Spain visit Japan

King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia at the welcoming ceremony with Emperor Hirohito (Showa Emperor) In October 1980, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain visited Japan as state guests. Their stay in Japan was short, lasting only five days from October 27 to 31, but during their stay they had a pleasant talk with the Emperor and Empress, the Crown Prince and Princess, and attended the opening ceremony of the "Spanish Paintings: Velázquez and His Time" exhibition at the Tokyo National Museum. In between official events, Queen Sofia visited Sogetsu Kaikan in Akasaka, Tokyo, and Akihabara's electronics district, where she enjoyed the aroma of Japanese life. King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia at the welcoming ceremony held at the State Guest House. On the right is Emperor Akihito (Showa Emperor) welcoming the King and Queen at the State Guest House in Motoakasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, on October 28, 1980 (photo by a member of the Publication Photography Department).