Japan's Imperial couple are now in Indonesia, their first goodwill visit to a foreign country since Emperor Naruhito ascended the throne in 2019. They visited a cemetery dedicated to people who fought for Indonesia's independence from Dutch rule.

The Emperor and Empress Masako visited Kalibata Heroes Cemetery in the suburbs of Jakarta on Tuesday.

After World War Two, about 1,000 former Japanese soldiers fought on Indonesia's side against the Dutch. Half of them are believed to have been killed in the war for independence. Some are buried in the cemetery, along with Indonesian military casualties and other dignitaries.

Indonesia was under Dutch rule for about 300 years. It was under Japan's rule for three years from 1942 to the end of World War Two. Many Indonesians died performing hard labor during that time.

The Emperor said ahead of his visit to Indonesia that it is important to understand the history of that difficult period.

On Tuesday he said, "There was a difficult time in the relationship between Japan and Indonesia. It's important to not forget about the people who lost their lives, to deepen our understanding of the history, and to nurture a peace-loving spirit."

Heru Santoso's father was a former Japanese soldier who fought in the Indonesian War of Independence. The Japanese side once viewed people like his father as deserters.

Heru organizes tours of the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery to tell stories about the former Japanese soldiers. He says the Imperial couple's visit means a lot to him.

Heru said that as the son of a Japanese soldier who stayed there and fought for independence, he was so proud and glad.

Ahead of their cemetery visit, the Emperor and Empress met descendants of former Japanese soldiers.

The Emperor expressed his sympathy for the postwar hardships suffered by the soldiers and their families.

The Empress said she would offer flowers and pay her heartfelt respects.