The Emperor and Empress Visited the Oxford University Colleges

Emperor Naruhito attended Oxford's Merton College. Empress Masako attended Oxford's Balliol College

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited the Oxford University colleges where they studied decades ago, before wrapping up their trip to Britain and leaving for home. Emperor Naruhito attended Oxford's Merton College from 1983 to 1986. Empress Masako toured the university's Balliol College, where she studied international relations as a Foreign Ministry official from 1988 to 1990.

Emperor Naruhito attended Oxford's Merton College. Empress Masako attended Oxford's Balliol College

Emperor Naruhito attended Oxford's Merton College. Empress Masako attended Oxford's Balliol College

Emperor Naruhito attended Oxford's Merton College. Empress Masako attended Oxford's Balliol College

Japanese Empress Masako was given an honorary degree as she toured Oxford University on the final day of a state visit to the UK. Empress Masako and Emperor Naruhito attended a special ceremony to receive the degree at Convocation House. The Japanese Emperor and Empress departed on a Japanese government plane from the Royal Air Force’s Brize Norton base for Tokyo on Friday.

Emperor Naruhito attended Oxford's Merton College. Empress Masako attended Oxford's Balliol College

Emperor Naruhito attended Oxford's Merton College. Empress Masako attended Oxford's Balliol College

Emperor Naruhito attended Oxford's Merton College. Empress Masako attended Oxford's Balliol College

11 Comments

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  1. J'adore voir le couple quand il porte la couleur rouge ; peut-être que son retour au Japon va changer le code vestimentaire dans le milieu impérial surtout pour les dames ; on peut rêver ?!

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  2. Ladyofthemanor29/6/24 13:33

    Beautiful white suite and I especially like the cross over shawl collar. Pretty pearl broach.

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  3. Anonymous29/6/24 14:23

    So it was only white or off-white outfits for Empress Masako on this UK tour... Pity ! But I think this is one very pretty pearl brooch. It may be only the photos, but Empress Masako looks really tired on the last day of the visit.
    Maguy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous29/6/24 18:47

      The color white is often synonymous with dignity, respect, purity and honor – all things that can be linked to Japanese culture. So it's fitting to be reflected in their style of dressing as well.
      - Anon 9:13

      Delete
    2. I'd add peace and purity.

      Delete
  4. Anonymous29/6/24 14:29

    L'impératrice n'a choisi que des tenues blanches pour son séjour en GB.
    C'est un choix élégant. Paloma.

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  5. Anonymous29/6/24 16:07

    What an honour and very nice gesture to distinguish the empress with an honorary degree!
    She is so very modest but made a summa cum laude with her studies in the USA herself.

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous29/6/24 16:49

      Indeed, an honorary doctorate in civil law from her alma mater.

      T

      Delete
  6. The Empress looks lovely in this two piece suit. Her pearl necklace, earrings and brooch are perfect additions. Very elegant.

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  7. Anonymous30/6/24 18:53

    I have been thinking. Why did the Empress wear white all the time? White in Japanese culture is a sign of purity, I looked that up, but the flags of England and Japan are also red and white. The culmination was in Oxford where red and white dominated. A clever diplomatic performance.
    🌞 Virginia

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  8. Anonymous30/6/24 21:13

    Congratulation to the Empress for the honorary degree. She is a very smart lady, also speaks several languages. I hope she has the chance to use them. Lovely suit. Always understated elegance. css

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