Emperor Naruhito of Japan starts his UK visit with a heartfelt stop at the Thames Barrier, a testament to his enduring love for the River Thames. This fascination began during his Oxford studies, where he not only delved into the waterway's history but also discovered a fondness for Britain and its people, a welcome change from his life in Japan.
Emperor Naruhito of Japan starts his visit to the UK with a stop close to his heart: the Thames Barrier. This massive flood defence system might not be a typical tourist destination, but it reflects the Emperor's longstanding fascination with the River Thames.
The Emperor's interest began 40 years ago when he studied 18th-century commerce on the Thames during his graduate studies at Oxford. Those years, detailed in his memoir "The Thames and I," also fostered a deep affection for Britain and its people.
As a student, Naruhito experienced life outside the palace for the first time. He encountered the kindness of strangers who helped him gather scattered coins after dropping his purse and embraced British traditions like pub crawls.
"In Japan, it would be impossible to find a place where no one recognizes me," Naruhito wrote. "The chance to explore privately, at my own pace, was truly precious."
This visit to the Thames Barrier marks a personal beginning to a state visit filled with official engagements, including a banquet hosted by King Charles III and a wreath-laying ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
