Sir Hugh Cortazzi, GCMG, was British Ambassador to Japan 1980-1984 and Chairman of The Japan Society, London, 1985-1995. He has written extensively on Japan. His many books include Isles of Gold: Antique Maps of Japan (1983), The Japanese Achievement (1990) and his memoir Japan and Back and Places Elsewhere (1998). He compiled and edited seven volumes of Britain & Japan: Biographical Portraits, most recently volume X (2016).

• Foreword by HRH The Prince of Wales Preface to the English edition by HIH Crown Prince Naruhito Foreword to the Paperback edition by David Warren Preface to the Japanese edition (1992) Translator’s Note by Hugh Cortazzi The Gakush?in 1. Ten Days in the Japanese Ambassador’s Residence: Arrival in London Life in the ambassador’s residence First visit to Oxford Excursion by the Thames 2. Life in Colonel Hall’s House: I move to Colonel Hall’s Studying English Life in the Hall household Second visit to Oxford and call at Professor Mathias’s house Visit to Scotland Last month at the Halls 3. Entering Oxford: Arrival at Merton Before matriculation University Entrance ceremony 4. About Oxford: 32 ‘Dreaming spires’ ‘Town and Gown’ – A brief history of Oxford University College system Education at Oxford and regular activities in the University Merton 5. Daily Life at Oxford: In the mornings Middle Common Room (MCR) Shopping and the English character Draughts and baths Dinner High table Weekends Family visits With Oxford students 6. Cultural Life at Oxford: Films, theatre and music Photographs taken by HIH The Crown Prince Enjoying chamber music Visits to places associated with musicians: England and music 7. Sport: Rowing Tennis and squash Jogging, climbing, skiing and other sporting activities 8. Life as a Research Student at Oxford: Why I decided to do research on the Thames as a highway Professor Mathias Visiting record offices Dr Highfield Preparing my thesis Canals past and future 9. Travels in Britain and Abroad: Weekend drives in the countryside and around Oxford Trips in Britain involving overnight stays Travelling round Europe and meeting European Royal Families 10. Looking Back on My Two Years’ Stay: The English people as I saw them On leaving Britain Postscript Bibliography Index