You can watch Emperor Akihito's visit live here from 1130 GMT (1230 BST) Tuesday, and then again at 1630 GMT and 2030 GMT.

Japan's Emperor Akihito has begun his controversial state visit to Britain by expressing his deep sympathy for survivors of World War Two prison camps.

Ambassador Kazuo Chiba tells BBC Breakfast News what the Emperor is likely to say at banquet (1'55")

But his spokesman says he is unable to apologise because of his constitutional position.

The press officer Ambassador Kazuo Chiba says this is the job of the country's prime minister, and that the Japanese people feel he has already done this.

However, he added the Emperor is likely to refer to the matter when he makes a speech at a Buckingham Palace state banquet later.

The Mall, where veterans will turn their back on the Emperor

The stage is set for an acrimonious reaction from former prisoners of war who are planning a public snub to the Emperor and his wife.

They are angry with Japan over its refusal to offer adequate compensation and a full apology for their treatment during the war.

Thousands of British servicemen and civilians were tortured, starved or used as slave labour in Japanese camps.

BBC diplomatic correspondent Nicholas Witchell: "Veterans expect younger people to join them" (3'01")

Survivors have drawn up a timetable of protest, designed to embarrass the Emperor, and his wife Empress Michiko, for the duration of their four-day visit.

Around 1,000 veterans will line London's Mall for the ceremonial start of the visit and turn their backs in protest as the royal couple make their way to Buckingham Palace in an open-topped carriage, accompanied by the Queen.

They will whistle the theme to the war movie, Bridge Over the River Kwai, as an added mark of disrespect.

Protester Joan Tarbet Bully says action is needed from the Japanese authorities (1'15")

Joan Tarbet Bully, who was locked up in a camp with her mother from the age of four said her childhood was taken from her.

"People suffered dreadfully, we still bear the scars. Children were born who were malnourished, from malnourished mothers. It went on for a long time," she told the BBC.

Further protests are planned during the rest of the royal couple's visit.

But not all former prisoners support the protest. Bill Osmond, a former British airman and prisoner of Japan for three-and-a-half years, said he was appalled by the proposed action.

The Mall is bedecked with flags

He saw it as an insult to the Queen despite her comment that she would not be embarrassed.

Mr Osmond admitted he felt bitter after the war, having left the camp "a very skeletal figure, in bad shape".

But he believed reconciliation was necessary and that former Japanese prisoners did not deserve better treatment than other veterans.

"So many men during World War Two lost limbs and fared much worse than prisoners of war, therefore we didn't consider we were a special case," he said.

Former pow Bill Osmond explains his opposition to the protest (1'55")

The protests come despite a call from the UK Prime Minister for a degree of restraint. Tony Blair urged the public to give a "warm welcome" to the Emperor.

He believes the former prisoners have a right to demonstrate, but they should do so in a "dignified and peaceful way", his spokesman said. The veterans have rejected his plea, some accusing him of "betrayal".

Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage	©