I am very pleased that an English translation of my memoir has now been published. It is twenty years since I left Oxford but I recall fondly the days I spent there as if they took place yesterday. I feel that what I learned whilst I was studying in England during those brief two years has enriched my life a great deal. I shall be pleased if English readers find something of interest in this account of my experiences and impressions.

I am most grateful to Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, for the interest which he has shown in my book and for the warm message which he has written for the English publication of this memoir. I also wish to express my appreciation for the efforts of all concerned, which enabled this translation to be published. I thank in particular Sir Hugh Cortazzi, the translator, for the zeal and efforts he has put into this project. I would also like to express my appreciation for the help and advice given by others over this publication, especially my mentors Professor Mathias and Dr Highfield.

I hope that this book may contribute even if only in a small way to mutual understanding between Britain and Japan and bring our two countries closer together.