Wednesday, 12 July 2006

Today started like any other ordinary day. Until I started driving to work and notice that there were policemen lining the road and people with little Japanese flags on sticks. When I got to work, I found out that the Crown Prince of Japan was going to be driving through Takasaki this very morning. I'm not really clear on why he was driving (or more accurately, being chauffered) through Takasaki although he must have presumably been on his way somewhere. We asked Yukari if he was a hottie and she said (and I quote) "he's not very handsome, but he is very kind".

Anyway, it's not everyday that the Crown Prince comes to Takasaki so the boss agreed that we could all walk across to the main road and wave at him (the Crown Prince, not the boss). The rumour was that he would be passing by at 10.29am with his assorted hangers on and secret police (or whatever they are called in Japan). At about 10.25am the policemen started closing down the road to regular traffic and changed the traffic lights to green (apparently the Royal Family never get red lights). And sure enough, at exactly 10.29am, the motorcade drove past. First there were more police, a limo of body guards and then the Crown Prince. It was a bit odd though. I mean there were sooo many police, a circling helicopter for pete's sake but the Crown Prince had his window down and was waving in a very casual and relaxed manner. I swear the car passed within a metre of where we were all standing.

Oh, and if you want to see a picture of the Crown Prince - have a look at Megan's blog.