The visit to Trondheim, Norway made such a good impression on Emperor Akihito of Japan that he wrote a new year-poem about the city. Thursday it was read to Japan. The topics were the emperors grandchild Aiko (4) and Trondheim.
Crown-princess Mette Marit was hostess to the emperor and empress when they visited the city last year.
Mayor Rita Ottervik was very proud to hear the news. "I don't know quite what to say."
People hanging out windows and waving during Emperor Akihito's visit.
The emperor gets a tour of the local fish market.
Crown-princess Mette Marit is standing to the right.
The poem:
Japanese:
Toronhaimu no
Ungao yukeba
Ie ie no
Mado yori hitora
Emite te o huru
English:
In Trondheim
Sailing down the channel
From windows of houses
People are seen
Smiling and waving