March 8, 1957
PRINCE MIKAZA: The youngest brother of Emperor Hirohito of Japan, Prince Mikaza, and his wife Princess Yuri arrived in Athens on Thursday and stayed for three-quarters of an hour at the Royal Pavilion at the Hellenikon Airport. Prince Mikaza, 41, is a very well-educated person and fifth in line to the Japanese throne. He studied the history of Asian countries at the University of Tokyo and is considered an expert on history. (…) Questioned regarding prospects for broadening friendly relations between Greece and Japan, he said: «I hope that very soon Athens will host a Japanese ambassador. (…) Broader diplomatic relations will open new horizons for friendly relations between the two countries.» He was then asked for his opinion regarding bilateral economic relations. «I believe it is possible to develop Greek-Japanese relations at a very high level. (…) Already the Japanese are very favorably disposed toward the Greek economy, particularly following large orders from Greek shipowners at my country’s shipyards. At the moment, Greek shipowners are truly the best customers of our shipbuilding industry. (…) Japan wants to become a good ally of Greece.»
