Photo/Illutration Raindrops splatter a tent festooned with a crown and Union Jacks as royal fans spent the night camping along the King’s Coronation route at The Mall in central London on May 5. (AP Photo)

In the days of Russia’s expansionism in Asia that culminated in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905, Japan and Britain signed the Anglo-Japanese Alliance in January 1902 to protect their respective interests in the Far East.

Later that year, Japan’s Viscount Naganari Ogasawara (1867-1958) boarded Asama, an armored cruiser of the Imperial Japanese Navy, to attend the Aug. 9 coronation of Edward VII.

In his “Toei Nichiroku,” a journal of his trip to Britain, Ogasawara recalled the pomp and splendor of the occasion: “Gold and silver glittered. I had never seen a more aesthetically perfect display in the world.”

But what appears to have left the deepest impression on Ogasawara was the Gold State Coach in which the newly crowned monarch rode. “It was like a four-wheeled version of Japan’s ‘mikoshi’” (a sacred palanquin used in Shinto rituals to carry a god from one location to another).

The coronation of King Charles III is taking place today, and the golden coach that so impressed Ogasawara more than a century ago will feature in the proceedings.

I would call the coach a “piece of art in motion” that represents the prosperity of the British royal family.

However, because it is quite old--it was built in 1762--few people who have ridden it ever said anything positive about its comfort as a means of conveyance. In fact, one monarch famously noted it was like “being aboard a ship tossing in a rough sea.”

This is probably part and parcel of maintaining any centuries-old tradition. As a compromise, a newer coach completed in 2010, called the Diamond Jubilee State Coach and featuring cutting-edge technology, will be used to transport Charles and Queen Consort Camilla from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey.

Speaking of traditions, let us not forget that the past glories of the British royal family come hand in hand with the checkered history of the British Empire and its colonial domination.

Perhaps in recognition of growing criticism today against royal prerogative and the monarchy itself, Charles opted for a less ornate ceremony than any coronation held in the past. This clearly reflects modern sensibilities.

I cannot forget Charles’ divorce from Diana and her tragic death. Elton John, who sang a tribute to Diana at her funeral, declined an invitation from Buckingham Palace to perform at Charles’ coronation concert, citing his extremely tight schedule, according to media reports.

But I doubt anyone believes that is the real reason.

--The Asahi Shimbun, May 6

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Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.

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