![Queen Sofia and King Juan Carlos of Spain are greeted by Empress Michiko and Emperor Akihito of Japan prior to dinner at the Imperial Palace on November 10, 2008 in Tokyo, Japan](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2022-1103-sofia01.jpg?resize=1200%2C783&ssl=1)
Our week-long tribute to the jewels of Queen Sofia of Spain wraps up today with a look at a glittering gala appearance in Japan more than a decade ago.
![Queen Sofia and King Juan Carlos of Spain are greeted by Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan prior to dinner at the Imperial Palace on November 10, 2008 in Tokyo, Japan](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2022-1103-sofia02.jpg?resize=1200%2C1370&ssl=1)
In November 2008, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain embarked on a lengthy six-day state visit to Japan, their first trip to the nation since 1998. During the visit, they were the guests of honor at a state banquet hosted at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo by Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko.
![Queen Sofia of Spain is greeted by an Imperial Palace official as she and King Carlos of Spain arrive to dine with Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan at the Imperial Palace on November 10, 2008 in Tokyo, Japan](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2022-1103-sofia03.jpg?resize=1200%2C1879&ssl=1)
For the dinner, Sofia wore a festive red evening gown and a beautiful floral wrap with fringe detailing. You’ll also spot the red and yellow sash of Japan’s Order of the Precious Crown beneath the shawl.
![Queen Sofia and King Juan Carlos of Spain are greeted by Empress Michiko and Emperor Akihito of Japan prior to dinner at the Imperial Palace on November 10, 2008 in Tokyo, Japan](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2022-1103-sofia04.jpg?resize=1200%2C906&ssl=1)
A visit to an imperial palace requires serious jewels, so Queen Sofia reached for some of the most important diamond and pearl pieces in her jewelry box.
![Queen Sofia of Spain is greeted by Empress Michiko of Japan prior to dinner at the Imperial Palace on November 10, 2008 in Tokyo, Japan](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2022-1103-sofia05.jpg?resize=1200%2C1378&ssl=1)
She selected Queen Ena’s Fleur-de-Lis Tiara for the banquet, which the Spanish royals have nicknamed “La Buena,” or “the Good One.” (As we discussed recently, its first public appearance was sadly anything but good.) The tiara is part of the joyas de pasar collection which passes from monarch to monarch. So is the pearl necklace that Sofia wore for the dinner, as well as the pearl pendant (La Peregrina II, not to be confused with the original La Peregrina). Sofia finished off the look with pearl drop earrings and diamond and gold bracelets and rings.
![Spain's King Juan Carlos (2nd L) and Queen Sofia (L) are welcomed by Japanese Emperor Akihito (R) and Empress Michiko (C) prior to the dinner at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on November 10, 2008](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2022-1103-sofia06.jpg?resize=1200%2C886&ssl=1)
Empress Michiko’s jewelry is certainly worth mentioning here as well. She went for a diamond theme, including the diamond honeysuckle tiara that once belonged to Emperor Akihito’s aunt, Princess Chichibu.
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