Figure 1.--Here is a formal portrait of Prince Naruhito in April 1966 on his way to school. Notice the traditional school satchel. He had just finished pre-school nd was entering primary school at Tokyo's prestigious Gakushuin school.

We do not have details about the Prince's primary and secondary scchools, but we know that he attended regular school like his father. We think it may have been a private school, but are not yet sure. Here we see him in his school uniform. Prince Hiro (his titeled name) has pursued his interest in history in both Japanese and English universities. He graduated from the Department of History in the Faculty of Letters of Gakushuin University (March 1982). He then began the first part of the doctoral course in history at the School of Humanities of Gakushuin University, specializing in the medieval history of Japan. He entered the Graduate School of the Oxford University in England (July 1983). At Oxford's Merton College he studied commodity transport on the Thames during the late 18th century (1984). The Prince published an engaging memoir of his experiences in England--The Thames and I. The English edition is a translation by former British Ambassador to Japan, Sir Hugh Cortazzi. It is sensitive, facinating account of English University life and customs from the perspective of a young Japanese student, but of course a far from typical Japanese student. After returning from England, he resumed his studies at Gakushuin University. He was awarded a M.A. (March 1988). He has maintained contacts with the University as a researcher in medieval history.

School

We do not know much about the schools Prince Naruhito attended, but we have begun to collect some information. We know a little about Naruhito's pre-school. We do not have details about the Prince's primary and secondary scchools. We do know that he attended regular school like his father. He attended Tokyo's prestigious Gakushuin school like his father, but was not isolated like hisd father was. We do not have any information about Naruhito's school experiences. Here we see him in his primary school uniform (figure 1). The school used the Prussian cadet-style uniform. This was more common at secondary schoolsd, but was worn a a few primary schools as well. The primary uniform was a black Prussian cadet cap and jacket, short pants, ankle socks, and leather shoes.

University

Prince Hiro (his titeled name) has pursued his interest in history in both Japanese and English universities. He graduated from the Department of History in the Faculty of Letters of Gakushuin University (March 1982). He then began the first part of the doctoral course in history at the School of Humanities of Gakushuin University, specializing in the medieval history of Japan. He entered the Graduate School of the Oxford University in England (July 1983). At Oxford's Merton College he studied commodity transport on the Thames during the late 18th century (1984). The Prince published an engaging memoir of his experiences in England--The Thames and I. The English edition is a translation by former British Ambassador to Japan, Sir Hugh Cortazzi. It is sensitive, facinating account of English University life and customs from the perspective of a young Japanese student, but of course a far from typical Japanese student. After returning from England, he resumed his studies at Gakushuin University. He was awarded a M.A. (March 1988). He has maintained contacts with the University as a researcher in medieval history.

Created: 8:41 PM 5/22/2009
Last updated: 11:30 PM 2/21/2012