President Rumen Radev was received by Emperor Naruhito of Japan. The meeting in Tokyo lasted half an hour, as per protocol.

During his visit, the Bulgarian president delivered a lecture on bilateral relations between Bulgaria and Japan at Waseda University. Accompanied by Princess Takamado, he also visited an exhibition on the same topic.

On Tuesday 20 May, the president is scheduled to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. During the meeting, the two leaders are expected to sign a declaration elevating bilateral relations between Bulgaria and Japan to the level of a strategic partnership. The declaration is expected to open new avenues for expanding cooperation, particularly in the field of high technology, the President stated.

His itinerary also includes participation in an economic seminar organised by the Bulgarian Embassy and the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), as well as meetings with the leadership of JETRO, Toshiba, the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) and the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation. During his visit, the Head of State will also tour the Hyakuri Air Base and RIKEN, Japan’s largest scientific organisation.

Radev previously visited Japan in 2019 for the Emperor's enthronement ceremony.