THE VISIT OF HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE ARTHUR TO JAPAN [Main Title]

Prince Arthur's state visit to present the Emperor of Japan with the honorary rank of Field Marshal, June-July 1918.

(Reel 1) Partly through the limitations imposed on the filming of Japanese royalty and inside the various palaces, this film shows virtually nothing of the official ceremonies. The first half concentrates on Prince Arthur in person, the second half on the scenery and culture of Japan. With Prince Arthur are the Earl of Pembroke, the Master of Sinclair, and General Sir William Pulteney. Acting as escort is the British Ambassador Sir Conyngham Greene, with Admiral Ijuin and Count Inouye. For his official duties the Prince wears his Army and diplomatic uniforms. The party arrives at Yokohama harbour (past the battle cruiser Hiei) and (Reel 2) on to Tokyo where between parties the ceremonies take place. The Prince visits the tomb of General Nogi, hero of the Russo-Japanese War, and (Reel 3) is addressed by Prince Tokugawa in Shinjuku Imperial Park. (Reel 4) The Prince starts his informal tour of Japan with visits to Nagoya, (Reel 5) to Kyoto, the old capital, including the tomb of the Emperor Meiji, and a trip down the valley of the Hozu Kawa to Arashiyama. (Reel 6) A tour of the Biwa (the inland sea of Japan) begins at Karasaki and looks mainly at religious shrines. (Reel 7) The party visits Osaka, "the Manchester of Japan, also called the Venice of Japan" including Luna Park, "the Earl's Court of Japan". The trip also includes a visit to the headquarters of 4th Division in the arsenal of the medieval castle of Osaka. Finally, the Prince visits the home of Baron Sumitoma at Suma on the inland sea.

35mm