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Japan's emperor to visit U.K. for Queen's Diamond Jubilee

The Associated Press Published Monday, May 7, 2012 11:15PM EDT

In this Feb.17, 2012 file photo, Japanese Emperor Akihito is greeted by doctors upon his arrival at the entrance of University of Tokyo Hospital in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Toshifumi Kitamura, File)

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TOKYO - Japan's emperor and empress will visit Britain for the aniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's 60th year on the throne.

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko will attend a banquet marking the queen's "Diamond Jubilee." They will leave Japan on May 16 and return on May 20th.

It will be the first trip overseas for Japan's royal couple since 2009. The 78-year-old emperor had heart bypass surgery in February but appears to be recovering well.

The trip was approved Tuesday by the Cabinet and the royal couple's schedule was posted on the palace website.