2026 | State Visit of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan to Namur

As part of the State Visit of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan to Belgium, Namur had the honour of welcoming Their Majesties the Emperor and King Philippe to the Château de Namur on 24 June for a programme focusing on the history of waterways and the sustainable management of watercourses.

Organised under the coordination of Denis Mathen, Governor of the Province of Namur, in collaboration with the Royal Palace and with the support of the Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, this programme formed part of the celebrations marking 160 years of diplomatic relations between Belgium and Japan. Participants included Charlotte Bazelaire, Acting Mayor of the City of Namur; Maxime Prévot, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Mayor of Namur, currently unable to exercise his mayoral duties; and Anne Barzin, First Alderwoman responsible for International Relations. Several institutional and academic representatives were also present.

Upon their arrival, Their Majesties were welcomed by several emblematic folklore groups from the Province of Namur, including the Molons of the Société Royale Moncrabeau, the Jouteurs de Buley de la Plante, the Frairie Royale des Masuis et Cotelis Jambois, the Échasseuses et Échasseurs namurois, the Alfers namurois, the Société Royale “Les Chinels” de Fosses-la-Ville and the Compagnie Royale des Petits Voltigeurs de Biesme, showcasing the richness of Namur’s living heritage.

Waterways at the heart of Namur’s identity

Charlotte Bazelaire presented the key issues relating to the Meuse and Sambre rivers, which have shaped Namur’s history, development and identity. She also highlighted the policies implemented in the fields of biodiversity, water quality, sustainable mobility, river tourism and adaptation to climate challenges.

Two scientific presentations enriched the discussions: Isabelle Parmentier (University of Namur) addressed the socio-economic history of waterways, while Aurore Degré (Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech) presented contemporary challenges in hydrological management and climate adaptation.

The visit concluded with Their Majesties signing the guest book.

Student exchanges between Namur and Japan

The programme also provided an opportunity to highlight school and academic exchanges between Namur and Japan, particularly with the city of Ogaki. The presence of Florian Coheur, a teacher at the Institut de la Providence de Champion, provided a concrete illustration of the dynamic school exchanges between Namur and Ogaki, which for many years have enabled young people from both cities to meet, discover each other’s cultures and build lasting ties.