It gives me great pleasure to introduce this enjoyable and perceptive Memoir, which The Crown Prince of Japan wrote in 1992 and which has now been translated into English. The book shows a keen eye, a delicate sense of humour, an enviable desire to be involved in a wide variety of activities and a power of description which gives the reader interest and enjoyment.

There is a close friendship between the United Kingdom and Japan, which is reflected in the solid bond between the Imperial and Royal Families. It always gives us pleasure to welcome members of the Emperor's Family to the United Kingdom and it is marvellous that so many of them have chosen to attend British Universities.

Prince Naruhito clearly enjoyed his time at Oxford, and I thank His Imperial Highness for sharing so much with us in this very readable memoir.