Rosalind Evans
Emperor Naruhito of Japan embarks on a meaningful visit to the UK, starting his trip with a significant visit to the Thames Barrier. This visit highlights his deep connection to the River Thames, formed during his time as a student at the University of Oxford. The emperor’s itinerary underscores the importance of UK-Japan relations as Britain seeks to amplify its influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
A Royal Connection to the Thames
Before the formal state events, Emperor Naruhito will visit the Thames Barrier, a site of personal significance. The emperor’s fascination with the River Thames began 40 years ago when he studied 18th-century commerce on the river as a graduate student at the University of Oxford. His experiences during those years, chronicled in his memoir “The Thames and I,” reflect a deep affection for Britain and its people. “It would be impossible in Japan to go to a place where hardly anyone would know who I was,” Naruhito wrote. This visit will be a nostalgic return to his roots in the UK.
Strengthening UK-Japan Relations
The visit comes at a crucial time for UK-Japan relations. According to John Nilsson-Wright, head of the Japan and Koreas program at the Centre for Geopolitics at the University of Cambridge, the relationship between the two nations is vital. “The UK-Japan relationship is hugely important. It’s based on shared common experience and the affinity between our two peoples,” Nilsson-Wright stated. The UK aims to be the most influential European nation in the Indo-Pacific region, and this visit underscores that commitment.
A Week of Formal and Personal Events
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will participate in a mix of state events and personal visits during their week-long stay. The state visit begins with a formal welcome by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, followed by a ceremonial carriage ride to Buckingham Palace. Naruhito will also lay a wreath at Westminster Abbey and attend a state banquet. However, the visit to the Thames Barrier precedes these events, highlighting its personal significance.
Reflecting on Oxford Days
The emperor and empress will also revisit their old colleges at Oxford. Naruhito, known simply as Hiro during his time at Merton College, cherished moments with fellow students and the peaceful coexistence of tradition and innovation in Britain. “These moments, with my fellow students, brief as they were, were very important for me,” Naruhito wrote. The visit to Oxford will allow the royal couple to relive these cherished memories.
The Enduring Significance of the Thames
For Naruhito, the River Thames symbolizes freedom and discovery. His research on river commerce as a boy led him to study the Thames in Oxford. Reflecting on his time there, he recalls the beautiful scenery and the healing effect it had on him. “The memories of my time with the Thames come back to me,” Naruhito told reporters in Tokyo. This visit to the Thames Barrier is a poignant reminder of the river’s enduring significance in his life.
Emperor Naruhito’s visit to the UK, starting with the Thames Barrier, symbolizes a return to cherished memories and a reinforcement of UK-Japan relations. This trip combines the glitter of state events with the personal connections that highlight the enduring bond between the two nations.
