The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.
© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Prince William starts first Japan visit with green tea
By YURI KAGEYAMA TOKYO©2025 GPlusMedia Inc.
30 Comments
Login to comment
Jimizo
'Prince William to start first Japan visit with green tea'
Stunning, absolutely stunning. Be sure to keep us updated of any traditional snacks he may consume.
ReformedBasher
And his wardrobe choices, I'm on the edge of my seat.
Seriously though,
Not a bad idea.
TheInterstat
Amazing. Must have taken them ages to come up with this plan.
G.MAL.O.Q
Why is my tax money paying for this ?
Kaerimashita
What? No natto? In fact any food requiring chopsticks so we could all coo "Joooooouzu" at his ohashi skills......
onagagamo
Isn't drinking a cup of tea supposed to be a chance to relax and wind down? The Japanese tea ceremony is the exact opposite of this. Rigid, painful sitting position, grossly exaggerated movements, no smiling, etc. I really don't see the appeal at all, like a lot of Japanese "culture".
harvey pekar
Will, baby... Can I call you Will? Listen, Willy, by all means have the green tea. Visit the survivors, especially the children, from the tsunami disaster, truly inspiring.
But can I make a few suggestions? First, pass on Fukushima. Second, for the love of all things holy, don't take a hot spring bath with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Finally, because you'll have free time after you blow off Abe, visit the so many other better spots to see while in Japan than where Japanese politicians want you to go.
Wakarimasen
During his four-day visit, William will be attending various dinners, including one at a “ryokan,” or traditional inn, where he will take a hot spring bath and dine with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, wearing a yukata, according to the communications office for the royal family.
Wouldn't it be typical if he and Funzo got papped taking an onsen together........
uniden
wife stayin at home, eh? got some nifty places to recommend for you, then.
CrisGerSan
I hope the Prince has a nice time. It is nice that he is appreciated. England had a major influence on the modern path of Japan including among other things, the way Japan drives on the same side of the road as the UK, the focus on the railroad system and british influence on how Japanese Schools are run.
seesaw1
I feel old everytime I see Prince William.... ;(
Yoshimi Onishi
A pity his stay here is only for four days. I hope he will come and visit us again with his wife and children next time in the near future.
Peeping_Tom
"Why is my tax money paying for this ?
Well, considering that the grand total of foreigners in Japan is probably around 99 gits, don't ya worry about "your tax".
The remaining 99% of those paying tax are Japanese.
They certainly aren't complaining if Will's enjoying a cuppa or two.
If yer unhappy simply stop paying the tax then!
Problem solved.
B.B.Q.Demon
@Peeping Tom:1% is pretty significant. I'm sure the j-feds wouldn't just want let that go. I hope Prince William enjoys his stay and actually gets involved, like his dad does. His dad heads off into organic farmer's fields and talks shop with them, much to the chagrin of his bodyguards.
oikawa
Make you sure you ask why the hell all those people you see in Fukushima are still living in shacks!
Oh, no of course you won't be taken to those places.
Serrano
"While in Tokyo, William will have lunch with Japanese Emperor Akihito and then tea, presumably black tea, with Crown Prince Naruhito at the Imperial Palace later in the week."
If they're going to have black tea, make it Earl Grey. Hot.
And for relaxing times, make it Suntory Times!
itsonlyrocknroll
Japan and Britain have enjoyed friendly relations for decades......The Duke of Cambridge four-day visit underlines that effective diplomatic engagement, resolution and reconciliation can soothe historic grievances and embrace peace. I hope the media highlights the launch of 'GREAT' business Innovation campaign and public exhibition in Tokyo its not all tea and ginger nuts.
choiwaruoyaji
I feel what you are saying, brother!
A lot of Japanese ceremonies seem to have a subtext of... oh, this ceremony is so important and, by implication, you are such an insignificant nothing...
You must respect the ceremony... bow down and admire our culture...
It's kind of tiresome...
G.MAL.O.Q
"Well, considering that the grand total of foreigners in Japan is probably around 99 gits, don't ya worry about "your tax". The remaining 99% of those paying tax are Japanese. They certainly aren't complaining if Will's enjoying a cuppa or two. If yer unhappy simply stop paying the tax then! Problem solved"
Well my boy, I make so much money that my contribution in the system is quite significant so yes it matters to me where my tax money goes. And no I will not stop paying taxes, that is what people do when they respect the law and believe in social fairness. See what I mean ?
Peeping_Tom
Sorry to burst your bubbles but in the grand scheme of the Japanese tax system, "your" taxes amount to a paltry.
You may as well look at yer umbilicus and think otherwise!
And you don't elect to pay tax.
Japan forces you to pay!
Just refuse to pay and show them who's boss.
Without you Japan would still be able to afford Will a cuppa or two.
Yer overstating yer importance to Japan.
toshiko
William, 32, will also visit other areas devastated by the March 2011 tsunami to show support for the survivors and pay respects to those who died, according to the British Embassy in Tokyo.
The tsunami and the quake that set it off killed about 19,000 people, and displaced tens of thousands, including those whose homes were intact but contaminated by the radiation spewed from the Fukushima Daiichi plant.
''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
harvy: His tour did not omit tsunami victim areas.
About natto, they are finger using snack and does not represent Japanese cuisines.
kcjapan
Britain’s Prince William is a breath of fresh air. Prince William has the ability to have a common touch and takes genuine pleasure in the role of a King to Be. His respect for Australia and the cooperative roles Japan and Aussie play in Asia is a great benefit as well. The Prince's commitment to the environment is also a well known passion. Cheers!
Sensato
Did I read that correctly? Prince William is going to dress up as a geisha (and a samurai)?? That should spice up the visit a bit.
toshiko
He will also visit a TV broadcaster and meet actors in a hit show dressed up as samurai and geisha, and go to a bookstore where Aston Martin cars will be on display, it said.
''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Actors dressing. Not Prince dressing/
avigator
Part me, would you like some tea?
G.MAL.O.Q
Peeping_Tom,
I was messing with you.
"show them you's the boss"…Yeah right ! The only thing that is going to be shown is your way back to your country or some penitentiary institution if you have this attitude.
HaraldBloodaxe
Did anybody see this on the news this morning? The poor chap could barely keep his eyes open. Strange, really. As the future King of England, I imagine it's his first experience of byzantine ceremonial formalities. And of having a cup of tea.
I think this is a very good illustration of a point made on a previous thread about illusory omotenashi, where someone said tourism in Japan is held back by the belief that visitors should see what Japanese think they ought to see, rather than listening to and providing what the visitors actually want.
kurisupisu
Will needs to try some Japanese whisky ( on the quiet ) esp the older single malts! Hopefully,he'll also get some time in an onsen too.
Peeping_Tom
"The only thing that is going to be shown is your way back to your country or some penitentiary institution if you have this attitude.
You learn something everyday.
Honestly!!!