Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko began a three-day mourning period on Friday for His Majesty King Bhumibol, the Imperial Household Agency announced.
The imperial couple heard of the king’s passing on Thursday night after returning to the Imperial Palace from a concert they had attended with Belgian King Philippe and Queen Mathilde.
The emperor and empress had a longtime friendship with the Thai Royal Family during His Majesty’s reign.
The King visited Japan in 1963 and met with Emperor Hirohito, posthumously called Emperor Showa. The following year the Japanese imperial couple visited Thailand as crown prince and crown princess on behalf of the emperor.
They travelled to a rural village by car with His Majesty driving. Something the King enjoyed doing on a regular basis , though often incognito.
After Emperor Akihito’s came to the throne, he and Empress Michiko made their first overseas trip to Thailand in September 1991. They also attended the ceremony in Bangkok to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the His Majesty’s accession to the throne.