Japan Hails Princess  (1961)

Japanese flag at Tokyo Airport, as Princess Alexandra descended from a BOAC Britannia and was welcomed to Japan by Princess Chichibu. She is the widow of the Emperor's younger brother. After the very successful visit to Hong Kong, Princess Alexandra was now on foreign soil. But she was not allowed to feel a foreigner, and at the Imperial Palace, the Emperor and his family dispensed that hospitality for which the Japanese are renowned. And for her part, the young princess has fitted into the role of Royal Ambassador as if she had a lifetime of experience. Incidentally, this was the first visit to Japan by a member of the British Royal House since the Duke of Gloucester was in Tokyo 32 years ago. Fourth of Tokyo is the Imperial Duck Preserve, to which Princess Alexandra was conducted by Crown Prince Akihito. Princess Chichibu added to her photographic collection, while Akihito's brother joined the party. The Japanese claim that duck netting here goes back 1,200 years. Before the netting began, a demonstration of how to catch the wild duck was given with the help of somebody's best hat. The birds are attracted to the lake in large numbers by a decoy. Netting them is easy after a little practice. This place is the only preserve of its kind in Japan, sheltering an estimated number of 40,000 ducks. Every member of a Royal House visiting the Emperor is taken to a duck netting. The British Ambassador was with the party on this occasion. The Japanese appreciated the zest with which the princess entered into all her engagements in their country. Victims of the hunt were 32 duck. Afterwards, the party had lunch. The main course? Have a guess. Duck.