Unexpected Friendship between Emperor Naruhito of Japan and American Student at Oxford

In 1983, Emperor Naruhito of Japan, then a student at Merton College, Oxford, formed an unexpected friendship with American student Keith George, bonding over everyday student life experiences and maintaining their connection through the years.

In 1983, an unexpected friendship formed at Merton College, Oxford between Keith George, an American student, and Naruhito, the future Emperor of Japan. Living next door to each other, they quickly bonded, with Naruhito, known as "Hiro" to his friends, experiencing everyday student life beyond the confines of the Imperial Household. This included outings to pubs, restaurants, and even playing viola in Keith’s bluegrass band.

Their friendship extended beyond university years, with the crown prince later visiting Keith’s family in Morgantown, West Virginia. In appreciation, Keith’s parents were invited to a state dinner in Washington DC, attended by Ronald Reagan and George H. Bush.

Now, over 40 years later, Emperor Naruhito is visiting the UK on a state visit, rekindling memories of his student days and the friendships that shaped them.