(ANN/THE JAPAN NEWS) – A person intimately connected with Japanese Emperor Naruhito’s formative years in Britain has entrusted The Japan News with 18 previously unpublished photographs that offer a rare and poignant glimpse into the life of the then-prince.
These candid images, capturing moments of unguarded authenticity, reveal a young man on the cusp of his future, unburdened by the weight of the crown and the scrutiny of the public eye.
The Emperor attended Oxford University in England from June 1983 to October 1985, between the ages of 23 and 25. His time there was dedicated to deepening his interest in historical research and gaining a broader understanding of the world.
Many of these photographs were taken during his travels in the United Kingdom and across Europe. The Emperor’s reflections on these destinations are detailed in his memoir, “Temuzu to Tomoni” (The Thames and I: A Memoir of Two Years at Oxford), which chronicles his experiences during his time at Oxford.
One particularly striking photo shows the Emperor relaxing with the Spanish crown prince, now King Felipe, on the idyllic island of Mallorca. This image, like the others, offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the life of a young man who would one day become Emperor, capturing moments of friendship and leisure.
Climbing mountains
The Emperor had climbed some of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan, and from the time of his arrival in the United Kingdom wanted to climb the highest peaks of England, Scotland, and Wales, according to his memoir.
In the summer of 1985, the Emperor and some of his fellow students climbed Scafell Pike in northern England, an ascent that took 3½ hours.
No matter how much he climbed, the summit did not come into view easily, making him feel the significance of this mountain, the Emperor wrote.
With this climb, the Emperor achieved his goal of conquering the highest summits in the three countries.
Out to sea
In addition to a walk along the Thames River basin, which was the subject of his research, the Emperor’s memoir describes his tour of the area around the town of Dover, which faces continental Europe. He also spent time at a villa in Sark — one of the Channel Islands — at the invitation of the chairman of Lloyd’s.
Another photo shows his observation of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution training off the coast of Wales. In the picture, the Emperor is dressed in a lifeguard uniform and leaning out to sea from a lifeboat. The smile on his face indicates he is enjoying the experience, which could not have taken place in Japan.
Contact with people
The Emperor was invited to the homes of the aristocracy in the United Kingdom. For example, there is a photo of him relaxing with the family of Lord Cranborne, with whom he enjoyed playing sports.
The Emperor also toured the European continent during his university breaks, visiting a total of 14 countries.
In addition to Spain, he was warmly welcomed by the royal families of the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Liechtenstein and other countries. He wrote that the hospitality he received came from the friendships that his parents had built up over the years, and he felt a strong need to carry it on.
A music lover, the Emperor visited the birthplace of Antonin Dvorak in the suburbs of Prague and played with members of the Czech Philharmonic.
He was also willing to pose for commemorative photographs when asked to do so by people who recognized him on his travels. One photo shows the Emperor surrounded by female tourists in Spain.
During a goodwill visit when he was crown prince, the Emperor became a topic of conversation when he took a selfie with the Malaysian prime minister and another with a Danish citizen.
“The Emperor’s attitude of friendly interaction with both key figures and ordinary people was established after his experience studying abroad, where he had many encounters,” said the contributor of the photos, who is familiar with the Emperor’s travels 40 years ago, a time when he enjoyed his freedom.
