President Viktor Yanukovych had an audience with Emperor Akihito of Japan.

Emperor Akihito met President Yanukovych near the main entrance to the Imperial Palace, shook hands with him and welcomed the President of Ukraine to Japan. Viktor Yanukovych, for his part, wished Emperor Akihito health, longevity and happy years of rule.

After the welcoming ceremony, a tete-a-tete meeting of President Yanukovych and Emperor Akihito has begun.

During the meeting, President Yanukovych expressed confidence that his official visit to Japan will help raising the bilateral relations to a qualitatively new level.

For his part, Emperor Akihito said: "I am very pleased that your visit will strengthen relations between Ukraine and Japan.”