Crown Princess Masako bows to her husband Crown Prince Naruhito before he leaves for Malaysia at Togu Palace in Tokyo on Thursday. During his four-day trip to Malaysia, Naruhito is scheduled to attend a state banquet hosted by British-educated Sultan Muhammad V, meet with Prime Minister Najib Razak, as well as Malaysian students and Japanese residents.
© Japan Today
Bon voyage
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23 Comments
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smartacus
Just once, I'd like to see members of the imperial family give each a hug goodbye or a kiss on the cheek before one of them departs on an overseas trip.
Aly Rustom
Why is this private moment between a husband and wife have to be photographed and filmed? Even if they are royalty..
lucabrasi
The pair of them look like they're having a good laugh, fully aware of the need to perform for the cameras.
mtuffizi
happy faces. i admired both of them.
Mike L
Brainiac-
How about slapping her on the ass and saying "Cheer up Miserable!"
goldorak
Great comment, lucabrasi. Have to admit I didn't see it this way when I first saw the pic (was more a 'yuk, cringeworthy'!) but I reckon you're spot on!
Jimizo
"The pair of them look like they're having a good laugh, fully aware of the need to perform for the cameras."
Exactly.
These days I'd be delighted with a bow from my wife when I have to leave for a few days. I'm lucky to get a grunt followed by a shout for a decent bottle of wine or chocolate from the duty free on my way out the door.
FizzBit
Ouch! I get a hug in the AM and PM. FYI to all single guys in Japan wanting to hitch up, find a country girl.
sf2k
nice lighthearted photo
Britlover
It’s Japan, this is how it’s done, and they are doing it with love and affection, smiles and communication. Lovely to see Masako happy. My wife, from Aichi, always bows when it’s an business trip, or important for the family, but if it’s just me hug, and a quick snog.
All good.
Strangerland
That would be as foreign to them as the first lady of the US bowing to the president like is seen in this picture.
pudus
Going to Malaysia , it must be safe to fly there, passing over the south east china sea, over that make shift chinese sand bar military base. While US and JP ships, subs, panes are also in that region of hostilities , I guess its safe to fly there if he went. I wonder how long he will stay. May be a good time frame or last one to visit Malaysia, while the sky routes are clear and the renowned is visiting..
pacint
Whole regions both in france and england switched languages a few times, for a long time french was the lingua franca.
Mike DeJong
A snog? That sounds rude. lol!
ThePBot
I love these candid photos of the royals............
tinawatanabe
when she likes his destination.
Blattamexiguus
Sometimes Japan is just.... funny. You decide which funny.
UK9393
@Pack, that’s because, if you knew anything about Japanese culture, you’d have the insight that the the bow is not a construct that sees women only bow deeper to men. Read up on it.
socrateos
I hope not.
Novenachama
@Pac
The Japanese bow to one another as a greeting, a parting gesture, a way of expressing humility, respect, or apology. The Japanese often bowl every time they meet someone even if they have already seen that person several times that day. Bows are calibrated to show different levels of respect.
Wolfpack
@UK9393:
I did not state that it was. Perhaps you could "read up" on, well - reading comprehension.
But having familiarity about Japanese culture doesn't stop many here from extreme criticism - at least when it comes to the treatment of women. The so called "tolerant" are quite intolerant of what they view as intolerable - culture and customs be damned.
kizakick
nice pair of white high heels