Daysofthenap4

Days of the North American Post

“Japanese Royal Couple Welcomed Here on Tuesday”

Original Issue Date: October 6, 1960
Reissue Date: October 5, 2011

Their Imperial Highnesses, Crown Prince Akihito and Princess Michiko of Japan, were welcomed to Seattle Tuesday on the last lap of their “friendship tour,” which took them to eight American cities in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of relations between Japan and the United States.

They were welcomed by Japanese Consul General Masato Fujisaki as they came down the ramp from their royal…{cut off}

Following the airport reception, they arrived at University Plaza where formal presentation of the members of Seattle’s Consular Corps, representing some 34 nations, took place.

Gov. Albert D. Rosellini in his welcome said: “Here in Washington, we are very proud of our Japanese-American citizens. Will you please convey our friendship and best wishes to the people of Japan?”

Other speakers included Mayor Gordon S. Clinton.

The 26-year-old heir to the Japanese throne in a prepared text said: “This part of the United
States because of its geographical position, has been one of the major gateways in the intercourse
between our two countries for many years, and I am confident that it will continue to be so in the future.

“I know also that a large number of people of Japanese origin live in this area and have done their parts, together with their American friends, in promoting the common good of the communities in which they live.”

The Crown Prince also spoke at the banquet held at the Olympic Hotel. He said they were extremely happy that… {cut off}

{cont…}between the two nations.

Speaker at the banquet was Japanese ambassador to the United States, Koichiro Asakai. He strongly urged continued U.S.- Japanese relations and friendship.

Japanese Community Greets Royal Pair

Members of the Japanese community were given the opportunity to meet Crown Prince Akihito and Princess Michiko at the Japanese Tea House at the University Arboretum, which was presented to Seattle
by the people of Tokyo.

A sculpture by George Tsutakawa from the Japanese Community was given to the visiting Japanese Royal couple.

They left Seattle in the afternoon for Portland to spend the evening and then continued their journey back to their homeland.