At the invitation of the President of Mongolia, Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, His Majesty Emperor of  Japan Naruhito and Her Majesty Empress of Japan  Masako arrived in Mongolia on July 6, 2025, on a State Visit. Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa officially welcomed His Majesty Emperor Naruhito and Her Majesty Empress Masako of Japan today.

During the State Visit,   President of Mongolia H.E. Khurelsukh Ukhnaa and His Majesty  Emperor of Japan Naruhito will hold an official meeting, and Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan will attend the opening ceremony of the Naadam Festival as Guests of Honor.In addition, Their Majesties will visit a number of institutions that implement projects supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and tour some of the picturesque natural landscapes of Mongolia.This visit marks the first-ever State Visit to Mongolia by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan.

His Majesty Emperor Naruhito of Japan has visited the Chinggis Khaan National Museum on Tuesday.

Minister of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Youth of Mongolia Undram Chingbat and Director of Chinggis Khaan National Museum Chuluun Sampildondov welcomed and guided His Majesty the Emperor through the Museum’s Exhibition Halls, offering a comprehensive introduction to Mongolia’s rich historical and cultural heritage.

On October 3, 2024, the Governments of Mongolia and Japan signed an Exchange of Notes for “The Project for the Improvement of Educational Equipment at the Chinggis Khaan National Museum”, under the Japan’s Official Development Assistance program.

Through this initiative, the Museum is being equipped with braille printers, 360-degree and 3D camera sets, VR devices, and live-streaming technology to enhance accessibility and educational opportunities for individuals with disabilities and residents of remote rural areas.

In addition, some historical Mongolian artifacts originally preserved in Japan have been replicated and brought to Mongolia for public display. These include the Golden “Gerege” of Chinggis Khaan, a hand-drawn depiction of the Yuan dynasty military campaign, a world map from the reign of Khubilai Khaan, a diplomatic letter from Khubilai Khaan’s envoys, a Yuan-era military commander’s seal, and a model of a Yuan dynasty ship.

As part of the State Visit, His Majesty the Emperor of Japan was introduced to the Gachuurt Water Source Project on July 7, 2025.

Director of the Water Supply and Sewerage Authority Turkhuu Tsogtsaikhan welcomed His Majesty and provided detailed information on the project.

Under Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) Grant Aid program, a number of projects were implemented to enhance the drinking water supply for the capital city. From 1997 to 2006, the Project for Modernization of Technical Equipment at the Central Water Source Facility was carried out to supply drinking water to 40 percent of Ulaanbaatar’s population, followed by the Project for Modernization and Improvement of Equipment at the Upper Water Source implemented between 2004 and 2006. Building on the success of these initiatives, a new water source—the Gachuurt Water Source Project—was constructed in Bayanzurkh District’s 20th khoroo from 2011 to 2014, with support from the Government of Japan under a grant worth USD 30 million.

This project significantly improved access to clean and safe drinking water for the residents of Ulaanbaatar, particularly benefiting 390,000 people in ger areas and 43,500 apartment residents.

Photo credit: L.Enkh-Orgil