Imperial couple end their visit to Britain at Oxford University

Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako concluded their visit to Britain with a tour of Oxford University, where they had studied in their youth. They visited Balliol College, where Empress Masako studied during her Foreign Ministry career, and attended a ceremony where she received an honorary degree.

Emperor Naruhito, who studied at Merton College, recalled enjoying freedoms in Britain. The Emperor expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and hoped the visit would strengthen Japan-Britain relations. The Imperial couple are now returning to Japan.