Japanese Imperial Visit in 1960

Japanese Crown Prince Akihito and Princess Michiko, now Emperor and Empress Emeritus, visited U.S. cities including Seattle in October 1960. The Japanese Community Service organized a large open-to-the-public celebration at the Garden, which finally opened after the lengthy delay caused by World War II. Elderly Issei were seated in the front chairs to greet the Prince and Princess directly. The event held deep significance for the Issei, who suffered hardships during the war, as it symbolized a new friendship between the U.S. and Japan. The year 1960 was also the year of signing of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security Between the U.S. and Japan, which began a new era of U.S.-Japan relations. According to a story on the event in the North American Post’s October 6th 1960 issue, the edge of the spring pond was filled with thousands of Japanese and Japanese American residents welcoming the Japanese Prince and Princess. “It was nothing but an emotional moment—many of the Isseis were crying.”