UK: EMPEROR AKIHITO & EMPRESS MICHIKO ATTEND ROYAL BANQUET (2)

(26 May 1998) Japanese/English

Like true royals, Queen Elizabeth II and Emperor Akihito have continued waving and smiling throughout the protests that have persisted during the start of the Japanese emperor's four-day visit to the U-K.

The demonstrations, by hundreds of World War II veterans and civilians, have overshadowed much of the elaborate, ceremony-filled visit.

But on Tuesday evening, Emperor Akihito addressed the concerns of protestors in a dinner speech designed to bring the people of Japan and Britain closer together.

Throughout the start of Japanese Emperor Akihito's visit to London, Japanese diplomats have repeatedly said the emperor understood the demonstrators' depth of feeling but, as a strictly nonpolitical figure, could not apologize.

However, the 64-year-old Akihito alluded to the painful past at a glittering banquet hosted by the Queen Elizabeth at the palace Tuesday night.

The banquet was in part screened live on satellite television.

The Queen was first with her comments, preaching unity and peace between Japan and England.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"While the memories of that time still cause pain today, they have also acted as a spur to reconciliation. Over the last 50 years we have been able to rebuild our relationship on a new and deeper basis. Both of our countries are committed to the same basic values of freedom and democracy. Both of us seek to advance peace and prosperity. Not just in our own region but around the world."
SUPER CAPTION: Queen Elizabeth

Emperor Akihito went one step further, saying that the suffering of World War II veterans was never far from his thoughts.

SOUNDBITE: (Japanese)
"With regards with the mutually beneficial relations between our two countries, I deeply regret the interruption of these historically good relations by the second World War. Even now, I am unable to forget the horrible sufferings of the Westerners who fought in this war."
SUPER CAPTION: Emperor Akihito

But his words failed to satisfy the veterans who say their protests will continue.

Hundreds of British former prisoners of war are demanding a full apology and compensation for World War Two atrocities in Japanese labour camps.

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