Spanish State Visit to Japan: April 4-7, 2017

Duke of Marmalade · Apr 5, 2017

Mbruno said:
Don't they both speak English ? I imagine the interpreter is there just as a backup.

I think English is the language. Maximia didn't have an interpreter around, so either Letizia's english is bad or the Empress has problems hearing
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/10/29/1414578571604_wps_33_TOKYO_JAPAN_OCTOBER_29_CH.jpg

Either way, Letizia made an impatient or frustrated gestrure because Michiko didn't understand what she was saying.

AnaC · Apr 5, 2017

They are speaking in English, you can hear it in the video. I've watched the whole video and I can't see anything about Letizia being frustrated because Michiko doesn't understand her. It seems to me she's just making a gesture (she looks anything but frustrated) while talking, something she does a lot in speeches and in one on one conversation. Michiko and Letizia are conversing all the time among themselves without any help. I imagine the translator/assistant with the King and the Emperor is there because Felipe's English is also bad...

TLLK · Apr 5, 2017

Mbruno said:
Don't they both speak English ? I imagine the interpreter is there just as a backup.

Yes all four of them speak English though I believe that Letizia is the newest speaker of the group.

ANNIE_S · Apr 5, 2017

There was also an interpreter between the king and the emperor. None of them, the man with the men and the lady with the women, seem to have uttered a word during the meeting. I'm guessing they only were there to assist if needed, but everything seems quite ok.

Also I don't think any impatient gesture from Letizia, just her usual gesticulating self. They (Empress and Queen) were talking about food

Well, it's a recurrent topic in every social status I guess

Felipe and Naruhito were talking about the cancelled visit last year and how fortunately they have rescheduled it very fast.

Tilia C. · Apr 5, 2017

Now I see that I complained prematurely about the lack of photos. The interesting ones only came out later. Thanks to everybody for posting them.
Princess Mako and Kako don't yest seem to be completely at ease at such formal events. Or maybe that's only these particular pics.

julia garcia roch · Apr 5, 2017

AnaC said:
They are speaking in English, you can hear it in the video. I've watched the whole video and I can't see anything about Letizia being frustrated because Michiko doesn't understand her. It seems to me she's just making a gesture (she looks anything but frustrated) while talking, something she does a lot in speeches and in one on one conversation. Michiko and Letizia are conversing all the time among themselves without any help. I imagine the translator/assistant with the King and the Emperor is there because Felipe's English is also bad...

I didn't hear or see anything conflictive between the two Royal Ladies.

Alisa · Apr 5, 2017

Duc_et_Pair said:
When you looked at the passage of all guests, Japanese and Spanish, to be presented to the imperial- and royal couples, Letizia was by far "the most nude" of all attendees. By far. And that is surprising. One would expect that from a Gunilla von Bismarck in Marbella, not so from the Queen of Spain in Tokyo. But as usual, opinions will always differ on appearances.

I found her dress to be in very bad taste especially given the well known conservativism Imperial court. I am quite surprised by her dress. I expected a more demure and covered evening dress that she has previously worn.

LadyFinn · Apr 5, 2017

maria-olivia said:
Has the Queen Problems by shaking Hands ? She wore the 2 Bracelets at the left arm.

She wanted this time wear two bracelets in one arm and not one bracelet in both. Why should there be a problem? She liked the bracelets like this this time. I don't understand why there should be a problem even though she would have had five bracelets in one arm.

Letizia is making gestures during the whole conversation, she uses her hands like she always does. Which one of the gestures shows that she is frustrated? I didn't see it at all.

Duke of Marmalade · Apr 6, 2017

I see Letizia being annoyed at 0:38 because her conversation is going nowhere.
I also agree with Al bina that it was strange/bad taste to rush before the Empress at the entrance to the dinner.

But we all perceive things differently and that's the beauty of this forum.

El brindis 'interruptus' de Letizia en Japón: no bebe ni se moja los labios | loc | EL MUNDO

what I also find ricidulous is at each high profile event, when there is a toast that there attention drawn to Letizia and the fact that she doesn't drink or toast while everybody else is doing it, it comes across as disruptive or rude, so why is it not possible when it is a known fact, to fill her glass with water or whatever she wants to drink so the procedure can go ahead including everyone?
There is so much written about protocol and things being arranged to the last and smallest detail and this is not possible?

Marengo · Apr 6, 2017

But making a toast with water is brings bad luck or even death to yourself and on your host. The superstition comes from the ancient Greeks. The dead would always drink from the River Lethe in the depths of the underworld, in order to forget their past lives. As a result of this story, the Greeks would always toast to the dead with glasses filled with water.

I don't think the queen of Spain is attracting any attention to herself. And we can hardly find fault in somebody for not drinking alcohol.

Duke of Marmalade · Apr 6, 2017

Marengo said:
But making a toast with water is brings bad luck or even death to yourself and on your host. The superstition comes from the ancient Greeks. The dead would always drink from the River Lethe in the depths of the underworld, in order to forget their past lives. As a result of this story, the Greeks would always toast to the dead with glasses filled with water.

I don't think the queen of Spain is attracting any attention to herself. And we can hardly find fault in somebody for not drinking alcohol.

Its usually being discussed at lengths in the spanish press, I don't understand why it is not possible to serve her something non-alcoholic, it's 2017 and perfectly ok not to drink alcohol.

lula · Apr 6, 2017

Duc_et_Pair · Apr 6, 2017

AnaC said:
[....] I imagine the translator/assistant with the King and the Emperor is there because Felipe's English is also bad...

Impossible that Don Felipe's English is "also bad".

In 1984 and 1985 he was at Lakefield College in Toronto (Canada) and from 1993 to 1995 he was at the Edmund Walsh School for Foreign Services, part of the Georgetown University in Washington D.C. (USA). Meaning: five years of his life, on a formative age, the King has spent in English-speaking countries and English-speaking schools.

ANNIE_S · Apr 6, 2017

Meeting with Japan's Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, at Akasana Palace:

@CasaReal

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C8uSO96U0AEeWll.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C8uSO-AU0AENugU.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C8uSO-dU0AAmB0i.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C8uT7-3VoAQKFI4.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C8uT75rV0AAjm1w.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C8uT78yVwAAK3oD.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C8uT77_VYAIWWXf.jpg

lula · Apr 6, 2017

Audience to a representation of Japanese personalities linked to Hispanism and Spanish language and culture studies

@CasaReal
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C8tqTHaVYAA2oUA.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C8tqTHYUAAAPkti.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C8tqTHWU0AIa_8q.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C8tqTHXVYAAQdnP.jpg

Audience to the Japanese prize winners with the Prince of Asturias Award

@CasaReal
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C8uA7W3UMAM1Eiu.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C8uA7WkVwAA00uD.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C8uA7WVUwAADJ0W.jpg

Photos

http://www.revistavanityfair.es/rea...nada-de-los-reyes-en-japon/11489/image/664427

http://www.vanitatis.elconfidencial...zia-reyes-japon-visita-estado-fotos_1360191#0

http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/55cGnzKZIts/King+Felipe+VI+Queen+Letizia+Visit+Japan+Day

julia garcia roch · Apr 6, 2017

Duke of Marmalade said:
I see Letizia being annoyed at 0:38 because her conversation is going nowhere.
I also agree with Al bina that it was strange/bad taste to rush before the Empress at the entrance to the dinner.

But we all perceive things differently and that's the beauty of this forum.

El brindis 'interruptus' de Letizia en Japón: no bebe ni se moja los labios | loc | EL MUNDO

what I also find ricidulous is at each high profile event, when there is a toast that there attention drawn to Letizia and the fact that she doesn't drink or toast while everybody else is doing it, it comes across as disruptive or rude, so why is it not possible when it is a known fact, to fill her glass with water or whatever she wants to drink so the procedure can go ahead including everyone?
There is so much written about protocol and things being arranged to the last and smallest detail and this is not possible?

I don't understand the constant criticism to Queen Letizia. I know this is a forum for discussion; It is absurd, The dress, rushing past the Japanese monarch??, the toast.....Please.

Nico · Apr 6, 2017

julia garcia roch said:
I don't understand the constant criticism to Queen Letizia. I know this is a forum for discussion, it is absurd, The dress, rushing past the Japanese monarch??, the toast.....Please.

Yes i agree. There's an obvious attempt to find any possible, and ridiculous, reason to criticize her.
I don't understand, really :ermm:

Blog Real · Apr 6, 2017

I also do not understand the criticisms of Letizia. She has never done anything serious since she married, but people continue to criticize her for everything and nothing, always something to point out. But she's doing very well on this visit.

AnaC · Apr 6, 2017

Duc_et_Pair said:
Impossible that Don Felipe's English is "also bad".

In 1984 and 1985 he was at Lakefield College in Toronto (Canada) and from 1993 to 1995 he was at the Edmund Walsh School for Foreign Services, part of the Georgetown University in Washington D.C. (USA). Meaning: five years of his life, on a formative age, the King has spent in English-speaking countries and English-speaking schools.

I was being ironic, I know King Felipe speaks English, Queen Sofia spoke with her parents in English and she spoke to her own children in English since they were babies (she didn't speak enough Spanish)

Duke of Marmalade said:
Its usually being discussed at lengths in the spanish press, I don't understand why it is not possible to serve her something non-alcoholic, it's 2017 and perfectly ok not to drink alcohol.

It was discussed in the trashy press a few years ago, they realized she never drinks wine or champagne and even they moved on. Someone even speculated that she could be allergic to grapes. It's not a big deal and the criticism here is getting ridiculous. (Rushing past the Empress because her seat was further away? Was she supposed to stand on the wrong place and let the Empress go before her?)
It's actually perfectly acceptable to raise the glass during a toast and not drink (something that I've seen Queen Elizabeth do at official events, I guess she's also trying to draw attention to herself, or perhaps that's only when Queen Letizia does it), what's not acceptable in most places, protocol-wise, is to toast without alcohol.

ANNIE_S · Apr 6, 2017

Videos from the meeting with the PM and dinner today:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JguzlTkuq6A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnosjBVaAh8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbI0hi-79aQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaZ1ajGLvYA

I see King Felipe has enphasized more than once how grateful they and the Spanish Government are because the cancelled trip last year was so quickly rescheduled and the fact that they have keep the same dates so they can visit Japan during the cherry trees blossom season. Also that there was an special interest on visiting Japan before any other Asian country from government and Casa Real's part.

Duke of Marmalade · Apr 6, 2017

"Pencilling in another engagement! Spain's Queen Letizia looks chic in a fitted skirt as she visits a hospital during a state visit to Japan"

Queen Letizia of Spain visits a hospital in Japan | Daily Mail Online

camelot23ca · Apr 6, 2017

Despite my interest in royalty, I often think while browsing these forums that I wouldn't want to be royal, (born or married in), for any amount of love or money. I especially think it when following threads about state visits like this, and especially when it's about a family like the Spanish, who know they have to keep their noses to the grindstone or they may well become ex royals.

I spent three weeks in Japan last year and it must be one of the most beautiful, most fascinating and gracious places I've ever been. I felt I barely had enough time to scratch the surface and feel privileged to have the possibility of going back in the future. Royal couples like Felipe and Letizia go everywhere and see nothing - they get three days of meetings, exhibitions and meals with everyone staring at them and then they fly back to Madrid to prepare for more of the same, at home or abroad. That's their life until Felipe dies or abdicates, (or the monarchy is abolished).

Frelinghighness · Apr 6, 2017

Letitzia is behaving beautifully, is obviously a great support to her husband, yet the knives are always out for her. There wasn't no impatient gesture with the empress, from my viewing or all but one posters viewing yet it leads the discussion. Her dress had no cleavage at all, You have to have a lot going on to actually cleave, see queens Elizabeth, Silvia. Time to ignore the negativity

lula · Apr 7, 2017

Alondra · Apr 7, 2017

camelot23ca said:
Despite my interest in royalty, I often think while browsing these forums that I wouldn't want to be royal, (born or married in), for any amount of love or money. I especially think it when following threads about state visits like this, and especially when it's about a family like the Spanish, who know they have to keep their noses to the grindstone or they may well become ex royals.

I spent three weeks in Japan last year and it must be one of the most beautiful, most fascinating and gracious places I've ever been. I felt I barely had enough time to scratch the surface and feel privileged to have the possibility of going back in the future. Royal couples like Felipe and Letizia go everywhere and see nothing - they get three days of meetings, exhibitions and meals with everyone staring at them and then they fly back to Madrid to prepare for more of the same, at home or abroad. That's their life until Felipe dies or abdicates, (or the monarchy is abolished).

I kind of agree and disagree at the same time. Unlike you and I, royals are constantly on the move institutionally. Their professional life is about learning and engaging with other countries.,business and cultural institutions.. It must be a demanding but wonderful job,

I've traveled in Europe and Asia extensively but I know I can't compare to them. Not only they have the Prime Minister's office to their disposal but have a diplomat cultural attache to provide answers in a moment's notice. I'd love, just for one day, to have access to the expert advice they have on tap.

Duke of Marmalade · Apr 7, 2017

"Imperial Couple accompany Spanish royals on trip to Shizuoka"

Imperial Couple accompany Spanish royals on trip to Shizuoka | The Japan Times

"Going somewhere nice? Queen Letizia of Spain looks stylish in top-to-toe teal as she and King Felipe board a bullet train with the Japanese Emperor and Empress"

Queen Letizia of Spain boards a bullet train in Japan | Daily Mail Online

wartenberg7 · Apr 7, 2017

Duc_et_Pair said:
When you looked at the passage of all guests, Japanese and Spanish, to be presented to the imperial- and royal couples, Letizia was by far "the most nude" of all attendees. By far. And that is surprising. One would expect that from a Gunilla von Bismarck in Marbella, not so from the Queen of Spain in Tokyo. But as usual, opinions will always differ on appearances.

This dress looks so NOT "Gunilla of Bismarck"-like - it´s quite the opposite of it! It´s by far one of the most queenly-royal dresses Ive seen in the past 5 or 10 years.
It reminds me rather of one of the dresses the british Queen wore as a young woman doing her Commonwealth tours in the 1950s. Even Michiko wore dresses like these in 1959/ beginning of the 1960s. So what the heck are you bachward people from the 19th century talking about....?! :bang:

Al_bina said:
Thanks for the links!
Mrs Abe, Princess Kiko, and her daughters looked stunning.

stuffy, old fashioned, way too old for their age. I mean they´re not as old as their grandmother, are they...?!

Duke of Marmalade said:
Letizia being unhappy with her conversation with the Empress, obviously she didn't understand what Letizia was explaining to her and the interpreter came in late.

Where did you get yor impression Letizia was "unhappy with her conversation with the empress" or Michiko not understanding what the sp. Queen was saying? The Queen said something and the empress nodded. The interpreter just sat there listening...!
The speculations circulating and spreading on these boards are "fascinating"

Al_bina · Apr 7, 2017

wartenberg7 said:
stuffy, old fashioned, way too old for their age. I mean they´re not as old as their grandmother, are they...?!

The Imperial court has been maintaining a strict dress code. It is great to see the Imperial court adhering to traditions. Mrs Abe wore kimono, a traditional garment. European countries lack traditional garments, which are as elegant as Indian saris or Moroccan caftans or Japanese kimonos.

European queens can opt for more modern/avant-garde things to make their subjects happy.

You are entitled to your opinion.

Prisma · Apr 7, 2017

Empress Michiko may have more say about her clothes and while the IHA appeared to follow some trends in the 80s and 90s, it seems they have settled on a conservative, lasting style. Like their mothers, the younger princesses will be repeating outfits for the next 10+ years.

A few more gala dinner photos:
http://www.asahicom.jp/articles/images/AS20170406003146_comm.jpg
http://www.asahicom.jp/articles/images/AS20170406003141_comm.jpg
http://www.yuko2ch.net/mako/makok/src/1491486541233.jpg
http://blogimg.goo.ne.jp/user_image/40/3f/bd77179fe3565c5897e7b93907ff74b0.jpg
http://www.yuko2ch.net/mako/makok/src/1491461688354.jpg

LadyFinn · Apr 8, 2017

It has been interesting to follow this visit, Felipe and Letizia are doing a good work for Spain.
How Queen Letizia of Spain proved she is the reigning champion of modern regal style The Telegraph

Spanish State Visit to Japan: April 4-7, 2017

Imperial Majesty

Nobility

Majesty

Heir Apparent

Former Moderator

Aristocracy

Heir Apparent

Imperial Majesty

Imperial Majesty

Administrator

Imperial Majesty

Imperial Majesty

Imperial Majesty

Heir Apparent

Imperial Majesty

Aristocracy

Heir Apparent

Imperial Majesty

Nobility

Heir Apparent

Imperial Majesty

Heir Presumptive

Majesty

Imperial Majesty

Nobility

Imperial Majesty

Heir Presumptive

Majesty

Majesty

Imperial Majesty

Similar threads