Emperor Naruhito addresses press questions ahead of official UK visit and reminisces of studies and stay in the UK. READ the Full transcript of the press conference;

(the video is a short version)

Q1: It’s been four years since 2020 when receiving an invitation as state guests from Queen Elizabeth, the Emperor and Empress’s visit to the UK will finally come true. Please share the significance and aspirations of the good will visit. What are the Empress’s thoughts on the matter? Please tell us about your impressions of the UK, what your family talks about, and what you are looking forward to.  

Emperor Naruhito:  

After receiving an invitation from the UK, our visit was postponed due to the global spread of COVID-19.We are delighted that our visit has now been realized thanks to the renewed invitation. Masako and I are deeply grateful to the British government for extending us this invitation. It was truly unfortunate that Queen Elizabeth II, who had graciously extended us an invitation during that time, has passed away. It is regretful that we could not visit while she was alive. I visited the UK in 1986, 1989 and 2001. Two years ago, we visited to attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko have visited the UK on several occasions. They often talk about their visits to various destinations and the heartfelt gestures of the people they met there.Against this background, during this visit to the UK,  I would like to discuss aspects that I am particularly interested in focusing on. First, during this visit, I would like to reflect on the history of exchanges that have developed between Japan and the U.K. over the years. Both countries have facilitated extensive exchanges over the years between the royal families, governments, and citizens of Japan and the UK. In 1600, the Englishman William Adams drifted ashore in at is now Oita Prefecture aboard the Dutch ship Liefde. He was invited to Edo (present-day Tokyo) and became an advisor on diplomacy and trade to Tokugawa Ieyasu. 

Subsequently, from the late Edo period to the Meiji era, diplomatic relations between Japan and the UK were formalized in 1858,  and in1902, the Anglo-Japanese Alliance were signed, marking a period of increased and deepened exchanges between the two countries. In the 20th century, there were challenging periods in the relationship between the two countries.  

However, today Japan and the UK enjoy a close cooperative relationship across a wide range of fields including economy, culture, science and technology, and education. Within the imperial families as well, numerous international exchanges have been accumulated since the Meiji era. I believe the visit of Queen Elizabeth II and her husband as state guests in 1975, the visit of then Prince Charles and his wife as official guests in 1986, remain in the hearts of those who remember that era. In recent times, in 2015, Prince William, now the Prince of Wales,  visited our country and offered condolences to the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake in Fukushima and Miyagi prefectures. 

Also in 2019, King Charles III graciously attended my enthronement ceremony as Prince of Wales, for which I am grateful. Building upon the long-standing history of exchanges,  during this visit, I hope to renew acquaintances with King Charles and Queen Consort of the UK,  and engage in discussions about the progress of bilateral exchanges with Japanese residents and individuals from the UK.  

It is my wish this opportunity will further deepen the friendly relations between the people of our two countries. During this inspection at the Francis Crick Institute, I have heard Japanese and British researchers collaborate on research in the fields of medicine and life sciences.  I plan to listen to cutting-edge research topics such as cancer and influenza vaccines. I have heard that Japan House of London, which I will visit this time, is promoting the charm of Japan with a focus on culture by holding many cultural events, I would like to actually see and hear about how Japanese culture is promoted in the U.K. while viewing the exhibits there. 

Second, I would like to talk about the exchange between the younger generation in Japan and the UK. Since 1987, about 12,000 people from the U.K. have participated in the JET program. The young people who were sent to Japan under this program to teach languages at schools in various regions and support international exchange at local governments have returned to the U.K. and are active as cabinet members, members of the House of Commons, university professors, government officials, and employees of Japanese companies, so I have heard. I have personally met some of the JET Programme participants when I attended the JET Programme commemorative ceremony with Masako,  and I would like to hear from those I will meet this time about their impressions of their stay in Japan and the exchange between our two countries. 

Masako and I are also looking forward to interacting directly with elementary school students from Japan and the UK at the V&A Children's Museum during our visit. I hope these young people from Japan and the UK will continue to deepen their exchange and gain meaningful experiences and play an active role in the future. 

In terms of the "water" issue, which is one of my main concerns, the enjoyment of the benefits of water and the need to cope with disasters are steps shared by all humankind throughout history, and understanding the issues surrounding water in each country will lead to an understanding of the society and culture of each country. The Thames Barrier, which we plan to visit this time, is a movable flood barrier that was constructed in response to the lessons learned from the North Sea storm surge that occurred in 1953 and completed in 1982. We hope to visit the site to gain a better understanding of the structure and operation of the Thames Barrier and the efforts that have been made to prevent storm surge damage.

As the UK is a place that holds fond memories for us, where we spent our respective periods of study abroad.  We are looking forward to our visit. Masako, too, is grateful for the invitation from the UK, and looking forward to the visit with fond memories of the two years she spent at Oxford University, as well as thinking about the history of exchange between the UK and Japan and hoping that the friendship between the UK and Japan that has been built will be further deepened. Aiko also fondly remembers her short-term study abroad experience at Eton when she was a high school student, and we sometimes talk as a family about her memories during that stay. 

Q2 The Emperor and Empress once studied at Oxford University. What was your time in England like? Please tell us about memorable episodes, interactions with members of the British Royal Family, and your memories. Please also share your thoughts on King Charles and Princess Catherine, who have announced that they have cancer. 

Emperor Naruhito: 
My stay in Oxford lasted two years and four months, from June 1983 to October 1985. As I wrote in my book, "With Thames," about my time there, I gained numerous experiences that cannot be described in a few words. At Oxford, I met a wide variety of people and had many valuable experiences through one of the pillars of my research. 

I was moved by the excitement that can only be experienced as a researcher. My research theme was the history of water transportation on the Thames River in the 18th century. Even now, when I reread the research papers I compiled after returning from my study abroad, I can vividly recall the memories of the days I spent with the Thames. 

I remember the efforts I made to collect historical documents related to the Thames, the guidance and cooperation I received from many people including Dr. Peter Massaius and Dr. Roger Highfield, the gentle flow of the Thames and the beautiful scenery around it that soothed my tiredness from my research, the days I spent jogging along the river while watching the Thames, and so on.  

Living in the dormitories at Merton College, I was able to have many valuable experiences as students from different fields of study and countries lived together. For example, meals in the dining hall at the college provided an important opportunity for interaction. Seating in the dining hall was free, and I often saw people shaking hands and introducing themselves to each other as they sat near each other. 
The dining hall at the college was a valuable opportunity for me to talk with other students and learn about topics outside my field of expertise and broad knowledge.The opportunity for me to form a string quartet group at that time was sparked by meeting with a fellow student in the dining hall in the morning. 

Thus, I am grateful that I was able to make many friends and acquaintances even through my dormitory life. From my study abroad experience, I got the impression that in the UK, while respecting tradition, the old and the new are not at odds with each other but are successfully blended to form a flexible society. 

For example, when I saw the attire worn at the entrance ceremony at Oxford University and the ceremony conducted in Latin, I felt a sense of tradition that has been handed down for hundreds of years.  In Oxford, a city that values tradition, students in gowns and mortarboards can pass punk fashion youth without any discomfort, as both seem to be seamlessly integrated into the cityscape.  

During my studies in the UK, I received various courtesies from members of the British royal family.  Two days after arriving in the UK, I was invited by Queen Elizabeth to tea at Buckingham Palace.In a relaxed atmosphere, the Queen herself poured the tea, and we enjoyed a pleasant time together. I remember that the Queen shared stories about her visit to Japan and inquired about my upcoming life in the UK. In 1984, at the invitation of the Queen, I visited Balmoral Castle in Scotland. There, I had an opportunity to spend several days with members of the royal family, including the Queen and Prince Philip. During my stay, the Queen drove me around and invited me to a barbecue at a building on the grounds,and Prince Philip personally guided me around the grounds in a horse-drawn carriage. These remain a very cherished and nostalgic memory for me. 

I also had an opportunity to fly-fish with Prince Charles, the then Prince of Wales, in the river near Balmoral Castle.The Prince of Wales carefully taught me how to put on a hair hook and how to throw it.We both put on waders (boots with a body) and went into the river, where we saw big fish jumping nearby,but neither of us caught anything.I fondly recall the heartwarming hospitality I received from the Queen and other members of the British Royal Family, who treated me as if I were part of their family.And I am deeply grateful for the warm history of exchange that has been cultivated over the years between the British and Japanese Imperial and Royal Families. 

Masako also studied at Oxford University's Bayeriol College from 1988 to 1990 as a trainee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where she was working at the time,and studied international relations at the graduate school.She was impressed by the history and traditions of Oxford University, the beauty of its majestic buildings and gardens,and the many things she learned from her professors and friends, making it an invaluable and precious experience.The beautiful scenery and kindness of the people in various parts of the UK also left a deep impression on her, and she seems to have had a memorable two years, just as I did. 
I am looking forward to visiting Merton College and Bailliard College in Oxford with Masako for the first time during this visit and exploring the city. Speaking from my experience as an exchange student, I think that by actually going to a foreign country, seeing various things for yourself, meeting the people who live there, and gaining experience,you can come into contact with many things that you cannot learn from TV or the Internet.Furthermore, I believe that staying in one country for a certain period of time provides a unique opportunity to step outside of Japan and take a fresh look at Japan.I hope the younger generation in our country will continue to develop an interest in foreign countries. We look forward to more opportunities to deepen our friendship with countries and people around the world through study abroad programs. 

We are very grateful that King Charles is welcoming us despite the fact that he is undergoing treatment for his illness.I have also heard that Princess Catherine is also undergoing medical treatment and is gradually returning to her official duties.I know that both of them are going through a lot, but I pray that their treatment is going well and that they will be able to make a speedy recovery. 

Q3  

Japan and Great Britain have a history of hostility during the last World War. After the war, the Imperial Family and the Royal Family of the United Kingdom have established a close relationship through mutual visits. Please share your thoughts on the role the Emperor wishes to play in future international goodwill and your expectations for the involvement of the next generation, such as Princess Aiko, in these exchanges. 

Emperor Naruhito: 

I deeply share my feelings to the loss of many precious lives in various countries around the world during the last war. It was truly regrettable that both our country and the United Kingdom were unfortunately drawn into the flames of war.  Masako was born after the war and did not experience it firsthand. However, I believe it is important for her to remember those who lost their lives and those who suffered greatly, to deepen her understanding of past history, and to nurture a heart that loves peace. From Emperor Emeritus Akihito, we have heard on various occasions about his experiences such as reading the biography of King George V in his youth, attending the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II,and the visits to the UK by both the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita.I have had the opportunity to hear about their experiences during the war and  their deep regard for peace on several occasions. I am determined to inherit and uphold such sentiments firmly. 

Since the end of the war, our country has worked diligently alongside various nations, including the United Kingdom, towards peace and prosperity in the international community. Currently, Japan and the UK have developed a close cooperative relationship across a wide range of fields including economy, culture, science, technology and education. I cannot forget that behind this effort, there were dedicated individuals who worked diligently and persistantly to heal the wounds of war.I hope this visit will deepen the friendship and goodwill between Japan and the UK, building upon the historical exchanges between the two countries. I consider foreign visits as one of the crucial pillars within the role of the Imperial Family plays in promoting international goodwill. Emperor Showa and Empress Kojun, as well as the Emperor Emeritus ad Empress Emerita, approached their foreign visits  with a deep consideration of the history between the host country and Japan. 

They also pondered how to further promote mutual understanding and goodwill between the two nations during their engagements abroad.We value and cherish the thoughtful intentions and sentiments mentioned above, and we aspire to contribute to international goodwill. I’m deeply delighted and honored to visit the UK with Masako this time. I believe that through her life as an adult in society, Aiko will continue to broaden her knowledge and experiences, while also considering the direction of her future public duties and responsibilities. 

In February, she attended a luncheon with the President and First Lady of Kenya as their guest. In the future, I expect Aiko will have more opportunities to interact with people from overseas both in public and private settings.Through such opportunities, I hope she can broaden her horizon and contribute to international goodwill. 

Questions from the foreign press;

Q4: Through this visit to the UK, if the Japanese Imperial Family and the British Royal Family were to learn from each other about their appropriate roles in this 21-century era, what might that entail? 

Empeor Naruhito: 

As I have mentioned before, I believe the fundamental basis of the Imperial Family’s structure and activities is to share the joys and sorrows with the people, all while wishing for the happiness of the nation.I also believe it is important to fulfill responsibilities that adapt to changing times and social changes.Similarly, I understand that the British Royal Family also engages in activities that respond to the current circumstances in the UK. Furthermore, I believe it reflects the history, culture, and society that the nation f the UK has developed and cultivated over time.When learning the practices of each country’s monarchy, I believe it is important to have an understanding of the country’s history and culture, not limited to the UK.I hope that in the future, the Japanese Imperial Family and the British Royal Family will continue to build upon their exchanges across generations, deepening friendship and goodwill. 

Q5: What are your thoughts on the ongoing deliberations regarding stable imperial succession practices? How do you think the opinions of the Imperial Family can be considered in deliberations without exercising authority? 

Emperor Naruhito: 

Currently, there is a declining number of male Imperial Family members and an aging population. Female members of the Imperial Family loses their imperial status upon marriage,leading to a decrease in the number of royals able to engage in public activities compared to before. This is a matter that relates to the future of the Imperial Family, but I would prefer to refrain from commenting on institutional matters. 

Other questions;

Q 6 Earlier, there was a mention of your visiting Oxford University with Empress Masako for the first time during this visit,Have there been any recurring topics or stories from both of your talks regarding your time at Oxford University?And when you visit together this time, are there places you both would like to see or people you would like to meet? 

Emperor Naruhito: 
Our two years at Oxford have been truly eventful for both of us, filled wit experiences that were beyond words and deeply personal. When discussing our respective lives at Oxford, we often talk about enjoyable experiences, research topics, and the people we’ve met and the activities we engaged in.From Masako, I sometimes hear about her early morning wake-ups for rowing practice,while my opportunities have been limited,I have practiced with members of the Merton College rowing team on the Thames. 

ared topics are part of our conversations.As I referred earlier,Masako was studying international relations at Oxford,while I was researching Thames river transport,so our fields of study differ,but we also discuss approaches to research, one-on-one tutorials with professors and students, seminars, and similar topics.However, one topic we tend to avoid discussing is which college at Oxford is older, since I attended Merton and Masako attended Balliol.It seems both of us argue that our respective colleges are older, and we haven’t quite reached a conclusion on that matter. 

Q7: Both of you share very intense memories in those common places.What role do they place in the bond between both of you?Your Majesty often brings cherished photos with you when you visit abroad, but I want to ask if you plan to bring any photos to England. 

Emperor Naruhito:  

There are various places we share fond memories of, so we often talk about those.When I used to stroll around Oxford or go on research excursions, I took various photos,I’m not sure how many I’ll bring this time.I’m eager to see how Oxford has changed since my time there and now. Both of us studied at Oxford, albeit at different times, and having had such precious two-year experiences there,we were able to gain various experiences.I think these experiences will be very helpful in our conversations and in mutually enhancing each other.I also believe our experiences at Oxford were significant in shaping us. 

Regarding the earlier question, I would like to add that one of the places we cherish as a memory is the Cotswolds, a location in the outskirts of Oxfordshire, although we won’t have the opportunity to visit it this time. It seems to have become quite famous in Japan recently, with its impressive honey-colored buildings. Masako has been frequenting the Cotswolds, making it a common topic for us. 

Also, there’s a place in Oxford called Christ Church Meadow, which is close to Merton, and talks about strolling there often come up between the two of us.