President Enkhbayar hosted a banquet for Prince Naruhito following welcoming ceremonies. In a prepared speech, Prince Naruhito noted how fully bilateral relations between the two countries have matured in recent years. 

On a lighter note, the Prince mentioned the success achieved by two Mongolian wrestlers who have attained the highest title in Japanese sumo competitions. 

"The two yokozuna (grand champions) are both Mongolians, and many Japanese people have come to feel close to your country," he said. Prior to giving a toast in Mongolian, the Prince commented on the popularity of the two Mongolian grand champions - Hakuho and Asashoryu - in Japan.  

Upon his arrival, a welcoming ceremony was held at Sukhbaatar Square next to the government building. Prince Naruhito bowed before statues of Ghengis Khan and placed flowers at the statue of Damdin Sukhbaatar, the leader of the 1921 revolution which brought independence to Mongolia. 

Later, Prince Naruhito and President Enkhbayar met inside a yurt where Naruhito conveyed a message from Japanese Emperor Akihito. In the message, the emperor “recalled with fondness” having met President Enkhbayar in February. 

On Wednesday, the Crown Prince will attend the opening ceremony of the annual Naadam festival. He will also visit a monument to Japanese soldiers who died in Mongolia while imprisoned in work camps following World War II. 

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