JAPANESE CROWN PRINSE

Otago Witness, Issue 3522, 13 September 1921, Page 24

JAPANESE CROWN PRINSE

GWCAT rejoicing in japan. TOKIO, September 4. Unprecedented scenes of public rejoicing; occurred on the occasion of the return of the Crowm Prince Hirohito. The populace not only took advantage of the Royal decree encouraging cheering and handkerchief saluting according to European fashion, but by the spontaneity of feeling by which they expressed themselves, outdoing anything ever seen in Japan. Seven different lantern processions occurred in Tokio alone, and parades were held in many other cities. It is worthy of note that young men's associations of other nations were most prominent among the participators. Tlio newspapers printed special welcoming editions, stressing the success of the torn’—the first in Japanese history—and the part it will play in strengthening the friendly relations with the various Powers. The. newspapers state that the future prosperity and happiness of. the empire will do much to dispel the misunderstanding of the Japanese abroad. One newspaper declared that Prince Hirohito is the incarnation of the great Emperor Mutsuhito. Prince Hirohito sent a message to the people expressing appreciation of the welcome which was accorded him everywhere, adding, ‘T confess there are a number o? things which we have yet to learn from the countries I visited. It is my ardent wish that the whole nation should apply itself in redoubled efforts to the promotion of national prosperity by adopting whatever good that foreign countries possess.”