Two different cultures and two very different styles came together when Japan's Empress Michiko met Cameroon's First Lady Chantal Biya this week. The Far Eastern royal, a picture of understated elegance in a beige kimono, offered a warm welcome to her African guest when she arrived in Tokyo on Tuesday.
President Paul Biya's wife cut a striking figure - with a vibrant aqua-marine suit to offsetting her voluminous burgundy hairstyle - as she made her entrance at the Imperial Palace. The two women's husbands, who are eager to strengthen economic ties between their countries, meanwhile stuck to rather more traditional attire, each wearing sober blue suits.
Emperor Akihito and his wife of 47 years are playing host to the Cameroonian couple during their four-day stay in Japan. The VIP guests will also pay a visit to Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, during which the two politicians will discuss ways to further develop their already friendly relations.
Japan's political leaders enjoy close ties with Cameroon, which has backed its efforts to attain a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. And the oriental country is obviously keen to continue building bridges with Africa, as Prime Minister Koizumi is to visit Ethiopia and Ghana later this month.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
