The Emperor also met leading scientists and musicians in London, in addition to rekindling friendships with members of the British royal family. Published on By On the final day of their week-long stay in Britain, Japan's and his wife went to the university city of Oxford. They had both studied there in the 1980s.
At Balliol College, they met the university's outspoken chancellor . He is noted for his tough stance on China, having previously been the . Lord Patten has also been the chairman of the Conservative Party.
However, there was no open discussion about politics. Instead, the focus was on education and collaboration. This was symbolized when the Emperor planted a cherry tree, as well-wishers waved Japanese and British flags.
Emperor Naruhito studied at Merton College from 1983 to 1985. While there, he wrote a thesis on transportation on the River Thames during the 18th century. He was crown prince at the time.
The Empress was part of a Japanese foreign ministry program that arranged for diplomats to go abroad to study. The couple did not meet each other during the time they lived in the United Kingdom. The tour of Oxford was likely to have evoked happy memories of their time living in the city.
It was less grand than the formal state element of the visit, which was filled with royal pomp. Highlights included and a state banquet at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday. The imperial couple returned to the palace to say goodbye to and on Thursday.
They did not go to Downing Stree.
