Product Description
In 1992, Japan's Crown Prince Naruhito completed a memoir about his life and experiences at the University of Oxford, less than ten years earlier (1983-85) to mark the 125th anniversary of his own Gakushuin University. Now, in English translation from former British Ambassador to Japan, Sir Hugh Cortazzi, this sensitive, engaging and informative account of English university life, customs and mores as seen from the perspective of a young Japanese student, albeit Japan's heir to the Imperial throne, is a most welcome contribution to cross-cultural studies. It is also provides a rare personal commentary on particular aspects of the everyday life of Japan's Imperial family, and makes a welcome companion read to the earlier memoir by Princess Chichibu - "The Silver Drum" (Global Oriental 1995). At Oxford, where his supervisor was Professor Peter Matthias, the Crown Prince studied the history of transport on the river Thames - hence the title to his memoir.
About the Author
Hugh Cortazzi was British Ambassador to Japan 1980-84 and Chairman of the Japan Society 1984-94. He has written extensively on Japan. His many books include Isle of Gold: Antique Maps of Japan, The Japanese Achievement and his memoir Japan and Back and Places Elsewhere. This is the third volume of Britain and Japan: Biographical Portraits he has edited for the Japan Society, together with British Envoys in Japan, 1859-1972. Most recently, he published his translation of Crown Prince Naruhito's account of his years in Oxford (The Thames and I, Global Oriental, 2006). He remains highly active in the field of Anglo-Japanese relations and continues with his monthly column for the Japan Times, as well as being a regular reviewer.
