Emperor Naruhito’s Sentimental Journey to the Thames Barrier

Emperor Naruhito of Japan embarked on a sentimental journey during his state visit to the United Kingdom, starting with a poignant visit to the Thames Barrier. This visit holds personal significance for Naruhito, stemming from his time as a graduate student at the University of Oxford, where he studied the river’s historical importance in commerce.

His memoir, “The Thames and I,” reflects on his deep appreciation for Britain and its people, recounting moments of anonymity and cultural immersion outside the palace walls. As he reconnects with the Thames Barrier, Naruhito’s visit symbolizes his enduring fondness for the river and its role in shaping his academic pursuits and personal growth decades ago.