Traces

H.I.H. Prince Takamado always left people with the impression of someone who is deeply engaged in and devoted to promoting the spirit of goodwill. I shall miss him greatly.’ – Yo-Yo Ma
First cousin to the current Emperor of Japan, H.I.H. Prince Norihito Takamado was a many-faceted man, a sportsman, educator, amateur naturalist, and a lover of the arts in all forms. Most importantly, he was a truly warm, wise, and witty human being, who was loved by all who knew him. In this volume of reminiscences, Stephen Comee draws upon memories of his friendship with The Prince to present his many sides and many accomplishments, revealing the real person behind the official persona. The prince’s interest in and knowledge of the arts is attested to through excerpts from his own essays and speeches and from interviews with great artists from operatic soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa to Kabuki superstar Ennosuke Ichikawa III to American musician-environmentalist Paul Winter. Readers of this intimate portrait will learn more about Japan and its people through learning about one of that nation’s greatest modern advocates of international cultural exchange, environmental protection, and world peace.