JAPAN EN FETE.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 September 1921, Page 5

JAPAN EN FETE.

WELCOME TO CROWN PRINCE. UNPRECEDENTED ENTHUSIASM. LESSONS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received September 5, 7.20 pun. Tokio, Sept. 4.

Unprecedented scenes of publid rejoicing occurred on the occasion of the return of the Crown Prince Hirohito, the populace not only taking advantage of the Royal decree encouraging cheering and handkerchief saluting, according to European fashion, but by a spontaneity of feeling expressed themselves, outdoing anything ever seen in Japan. Seven different lantern processions occurred in Tokio alone. Parades were also a feature in many other cities. It is worthy of note that the young men’s associations of other nations were most; prominent among the participators. The newspapers printed special welcoming editions, stressing the success of the tour, the first in Japan’s history, and the part it will play in strengthening the friendly relations with the various powers. The newspapers state that the future prosperity and happiness of the Empire will do much to dispel the misunderstanding of the Japanese abroad. One newspaper declared that Prince Hirohito is the incarnation of the great Emperor Matsuhifco.

Prince Hirohito sent a message to the people expressing his appreciation of the welcome everywhere, adding: “I confess there are a number of things which we have yet to learn from the countries visited. It is my ardent wish that the whole nation will apply itself in redoubled efforts to the promotion of national prosperity by adopting whatever good that these foreign countries possess.”—-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.