News On Japan

Imperial Couple Revisit Oxford, Reconnect with Old Friends and Memories

OXFORD, Jun 29 (News On Japan) - The Emperor and Empress of Japan arrived in Oxford at around 7:30 PM Japan time on June 28. They were greeted by the Chancellor of the University of Oxford and other dignitaries. Their first stop was Balliol College, where Empress Masako studied.

Empress Masako studied international relations at Oxford while working as a diplomat. Emperor Naruhito, who researched the history of the Thames River, was already acquainted with her, as she was considered a candidate for marriage at that time. Alongside her studies, she occasionally showcased her culinary skills by preparing Japanese dishes at parties.

Upon returning to Japan, Empress Masako played a pivotal role in diplomacy, serving as an interpreter for numerous dignitaries. Her former professors speak highly of her exceptional abilities.

One of her mentors, Lucas Tsoukalis, described her as “very approachable, charming, intelligent, and active, and one of the best students I have ever had.”

Another mentor, Adam Roberts, recalled an event where Empress Masako attended a dinner with her father, a diplomat, alongside other distinguished scholars. He remarked, “Empress Masako seamlessly mingled with the highly talented academics. She was very composed, maintaining her humor and smile, and I felt she possessed extraordinary capabilities.”

Before visiting Oxford, Emperor Naruhito reconnected with an old friend, Philip Whitmore, who played viola in a string quartet with him. Whitmore had mentioned in an interview on June 17 that he thought they wouldn't meet this time, but on June 26, he received a sudden call from the Japanese Embassy, and a meeting was arranged.

Philip Whitmore shared, “Yes, I met His Majesty. He was very lively, and we reminisced about old times. It seems his collection of violas has grown to four.”

After 15 years, they spent about 20 minutes chatting over tea. Whitmore added, “I was delighted to see him. I hope he continues to find time for music despite his busy schedule.”

On June 27, Emperor Naruhito visited Windsor Castle on the outskirts of London, where the late Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away without a chance to reunite with him due to the pandemic, is laid to rest.

After completing the official schedule, Emperor Naruhito spoke to the press, reflecting on his visit.

“The historic buildings of London and the serene presence of the Thames River made me feel strongly that I had returned to a place filled with memories. Many people welcomed us back with ‘welcome back,’ and it made me very happy. I am grateful that Masako and I could visit this memorable place together. I was pleased to see everyone smiling during the dinner despite the solemn atmosphere.”

Source: ANN

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

A passenger car was captured speeding across the frame from left to right by a security camera just moments before a fatal crash in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture, that claimed the lives of four vocational school students.

A fire broke out on the evening of April 25th on an electronic billboard attached to the Yodobashi Camera commercial complex in front of JR Osaka Station, prompting a large emergency response. No injuries were reported.

Organic fluorine compounds known as PFAS—suspected to be harmful to human health—have been detected at concentrations exceeding the national provisional target in rivers and groundwater at 242 sites across 22 prefectures, according to a government survey.

The Japanese government will begin issuing blue tickets for bicycle traffic violations in April 2026, with fines including 5,000 yen for ignoring stop signs and up to 12,000 yen for riding while using a smartphone.

A 26-year-old woman was arrested in the early hours of April 24th in Kasuya Town, Fukuoka Prefecture, on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. While admitting to the offense, she claimed, "I ate chocolate that contained alcohol."

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Society NEWS

After 77 years, Tokyo is set to return blue skies to Nihonbashi as the city buries its expressways underground and reimagines its historic heart.

The Emperor and Empress attended the Greenery Ceremony, an annual event honoring researchers who have made outstanding contributions in fields such as plant and forest conservation.

Nearly three months after a road collapse in Yashio City, Saitama Prefecture, authorities are preparing to resume the search for the missing truck driver as early as next week.

The Japanese government will begin issuing blue tickets for bicycle traffic violations in April 2026, with fines including 5,000 yen for ignoring stop signs and up to 12,000 yen for riding while using a smartphone.

A woman’s body discovered in a freezer at a residence in Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture, is now believed to have been concealed there for approximately four and a half years, police announced.

A 26-year-old woman was arrested in the early hours of April 24th in Kasuya Town, Fukuoka Prefecture, on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. While admitting to the offense, she claimed, "I ate chocolate that contained alcohol."

A man who was charged with committing an act of abuse against his young daughter and distributing a video of the incident through a private social media group admitted to the allegations during his first court appearance.

A monkey walking upright on two legs was spotted in a residential area of Tokyo on April 23rd, drawing attention as it crossed a street in the rain before entering a nearby field and munching on crops.