BBC News online will have live pictures of the Emperor and Empress of Japan travelling through London with the Queen on Tuesday. They can be accessed via a link on our news pages nearer the time.

The bitter resentment felt by former prisoners of war is expected to overshadow a visit to Britain by Japan's Emperor Akihito.

Watch Catherine Marston's report examining the anger some feel at decision to honour Emperor Akihito

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko are spending four days in Britain on a state visit.

War veterans are using the trip to highlight their anger over Japan's refusal to offer them compensation and a full apology for their treatment during World War II.

UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has urged the public to give the Japanese Emperor a "warm welcome."

A visit to the 1953 coronation had to be curtailed due to POW resentment

Mr Blair believes the former prisoners of war have a right to demonstrate, but should do so in a "dignified and peaceful way", his spokesman said.

He stressed the importance of Britain's economic links with Japan and that the past must not be allowed to prevent the two former enemies developing a strong, modern relationship for the future.

"He believes we can never forget the past or the debt that his generation owes to those who suffered, but this should not define our relationship today."

Japanese Deputy Ambassador Tara Umezu, said he believed most British people wanted to move on.

Veterans are angry that Japanese flags are flying down The Mall

"I am counting on the sense of reason and dignity and courtesy on the part of the British people," he said.

An estimated 11,000 military prisoners of war are still alive along with 4,000 civilian survivors of detention camps. A total of 25,000 Britons were held by the Japanese during the conflict.

Jane Warr outside the Japanese embassy in London: "It's a small and peaceful vigil"

Protests began as the Emperor arrived in Britain, with a candle-lit vigil held outside the Japanese embassy in London.

On Tuesday about 1,000 veterans plan to demonstrate their anger by turning their backs on the Emperor and Empress as they travel up The Mall with the Queen.

Some plan to continue their protest later at Westminster Abbey, where the Emperor is due to lay a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The chairman of the Labour Camp Survivors Association Arthur Titherington said: "Some of the PoWs do not have much time left for an apology to be made."

Watch BBC correspondent Nicholas Witchell's report looking ahead to the state visit

Japanese officials who surround the imperial couple will ensure they do not get involved in anything political, such as apologising for Japan's war record.

Controversy surrounding the visit was inflamed further by news that the Emperor would be honoured with The Order of the Garter, Britain's highest order of chivalry.

Labour camp veterans are also annoyed that Japanese flags are flying along The Mall and in Horse Guards Parade, central London, marking the visit.

Watch the procession in Real Video on Tuesday on BBC News online
 

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