The Imperial Household Agency said Monday that it is planning to cancel an official visit to Mongolia by Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko, scheduled from June 28 to July 7, due to the death of the Empress Dowager on Friday.
Toshio Yuasa, vice grand steward of the Imperial Household, said the agency is coordinating with Mongolia on the planned cancellation and will seek approval from Cabinet.
Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko were to visit Mongolia for the first time as members of the Imperial Family.
The primary purpose of their trip was to attend the June 29 opening of a Japanese-Mongolian festival on friendship and culture in Ulan Bator.
They were also scheduled to pay a courtesy call on Mongolian President Natsagiin Bagabandi and visit the country's Gobi Desert, a national tuberculosis center and an orphanage.
The Imperial Family began 150 days of mourning Friday.
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