This BOOK, BY three distinguished scholars with profound knowledge and experience of Japan, is a comprehensive and illuminating account of the history of exchange and fnendship between the Japanese Imperial and Bntish Royal Families. As the book reveals, the close relationship between the two countnes’ monarchies, notwithstanding the very different circumstances in which they have evolved, has done much to underpin our bilateral ties and to foster cordial relations between our peoples.

It is most timely that this book is being published in Spang 2019, coinciding with the abdication of His Majesty Emperor Akihito and the accession to the throne of His Impenal Highness the Crown Pnnce. Their Impenal Highnesses the Crown Prince and the Crown Pnncess both studied at the University of Oxford and have developed deep connections with the United Kingdom. I am convinced that the links between the Japanese Impenal and Bntish Royal Families will continue to flourish in the new era.

The essay in the book by the late Sir Hugh Cortazzi was the last piece of work from the prodigious volume of scholarly output he contributed throughout his life. Indeed, he was one of the architects of the close fnendship that developed between Japan and the United Kingdom in the post-war penod. The publication of this new work is a most appropnate occasion for me to express anew my deep appreciation of the passion and dedication Sir Hugh brought to both his diplomatic and his intellectual endeavours.