Japan emperor heads to UK for funeral 

The Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako left for Britain on Saturday to attend Queen Elizabeth II's funeral to pay respects to her and the British royal family, Report informs.

After attending the funeral, Naruhito and Masako will return to Japan on September 19. During their absence, Prince Akishino will act as the emperor's temporary representative on state affairs.

Naruhito and Masako's trip to Britain is their first as Emperor and Empress. The Queen's invitation for them to visit following Naruhito's 2019 ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne had to be postponed due to the pandemic.