Commencement Address

Newswise — Her Imperial Highness Princess Hisako Takamado of Japan, a graduate of Girton College, Cambridge University, is an honorary patron of several Japanese and international foundations and societies, including the Asiatic Society of Japan and the Japan National Student Association. She has published two children's books, one of which, Lulie the Iceberg, was highly praised by UNICEF as a story that "...fire(d) the imagination and courage of children..." She, along with her late husband Prince Takamado, have been among the most nationally and internationally prominent members of the Japanese Imperial Family. Highly visible in their support for the performing arts, especially music and dance, they were also strong supporters of the environment and education. Through their work at the Japan Foundation and the English Language Speech Contest, they actively contributed to the promotion of international exchange. Their Imperial Highnesses visited the University of Alberta in 1999. Today, the University of Alberta's Centre for Excellence in Teaching Japanese Language and Culture, housed in the Faculty of Arts, continues to build on the important connections that were nurtured during their visit. Her Imperial Highness will be conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree on June 10, and she will deliver the convocation address to graduating students on that day.