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To mark Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan's accession to Emperor latter this month, his university memoir is being reissued.The memoir covers Crown Prince Naruhito's two years at Merton College, at Oxford University (1983-1985). At Oxford, Naruhito studied the history of transport on the River Thames. Hence the title, The Thames and I.
The Crown Prince was the first person in the direct line of succession to ever study outside Japan. The memoir shares a glimpse of the Crown Prince’s daily life at Oxford. And includes colorful anecdotes about his academic experiences and student life.
Crown Prince Naruhito writes about living in a dormitory with his fellow students, which he almost flooded when he attempted to do the laundry for the first time. And his time traveling around Europe.
The memoir was first published in 1993 in Japanese under the title, Thames to tomo niwas.
In 2006, former British Ambassador to Japan, Sir Hugh Cortazzi, translated the memoir into English. Cortazzi commented on the memoir, saying:
“I believe it reveals the Crown Prince’s charm, modesty, sense of humor and conscientious dedication to his studies.”The memoir is reissued in association with the Japan Society in London.
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I look forward to reading this. Need to pick it up soon! Thanks for posting!
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