ROYAL JAPANESE VISIT

Hokitika Guardian, 9 April 1931, Page 2

ROYAL JAPANESE VISIT

DEPARTURE FOR U.S.A. STAY IN ENGLAND COMES TO AN END. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, April 5. Prince Takamatsu and his wife, Princeess Kikuko, left London to-day en route' for America. They expect to complete their journey and reach Tokio in June. Lord Colebrooke, Lord-in Waiting to the King, was at Waterloo Station representing his Majesty. The Prince and Princess, who are on their honeymoon tour, came to London nearly a year ago to return the visit to Japan made by the Duke of Gloucester’.

Prince Takamatsu, second younger brother of the Emperor of Japan and his bride of a year, Princess Kikuko, who are only twenty-five years and nineteen years old respectively, left Tokio for Europe shortly after their marriage in February, 1930. They have visited now nearly every capital in Europe. Their visit to London, principal reason for the tour, reciprocated the visit made to Japan in 1929 by the Duke of Gloucester,.

Prince Takamatsu, second in the line of succession to the throne of Japan, and his bride will' be the first members of the Imperial family to pay more than a fleeting visit to the United States. Other Japanese of the Imperial line have crossed America on tlfeii way beween Europe and the Orient, but none has made a sojourn like that planned by the Takamatsus, which will occupy at least six weeks. After landing at New York, huoui April 10, they will travel to Washington, going then to Boston and on to Ottawa, where the Princess’s cousin, Tyemasa Tokugawa, is Japan's Minister to Canada. Returning to the United States thev will follow an itinerary through Chicago, one or two other middle-western cities and the principal cities of the Pacific Coast, sailing for Japan about the end of May. It is understood that they will remain in the capital for at least a week, when they will he received at the White House and "’ill be the centre of considerable entertainment.