Japanese Emperor, Empress visit Hue Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko on March 4 visited the Hue imperial citadel where they were welcomed at Thai Hoa Palace and enjoyed Hue royal court music, recognized as a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO in 2003. Phan Thanh Hai, Director of the Center for Hue Ancient Citadel Preservation said, “The Japanese Emperor and Empress loved Vietnam's heritages. In 2007, we sent a troupe of Hue royal court music to accompany President Nguyen Minh Triet to Japan. The troupe performed at the Royal Court in Tokyo.  The Japanese Emperor and Empress loved Hue royal court music and understood that Japanese court music originated from Vietnam. In the 8th century, a Vietnamese monk came to Japan and introduced Vietnam’s royal court music. It’s our great honor to welcome the Japanese Emperor and Empress”. During their visit to Hue, the Japanese royal couple visited scenic spots in Hue, met Japanese volunteers, and called at the Phan Boi Chau memorial house. VOV