September 19, 2017, morning 7.30 a.m. I was summoned for a rehearsal on a decked up stage in the grand Fuyo Hall of Hotel New Otani in Tokyo where opening ceremony of Lawasia’s 30th conference was to take place in the next two hours. Officials of the Imperial Palace Household agency of Japan were there to instruct us. Crown Prince Naruhito and his wife Crown Princess Masako were the Chief Guests for the opening ceremony.
Japan’s Eye For Detail
Their seats with a desk in front were in the middle of the stage. The Lawasia team was seated on the right side on two rows of chairs. The Japanese official side, including the Minister for Law and Justice and the Chief Justice of Japan were similarly seated on two rows of chairs on the left side. Every thing had a very neat balance and displayed meticulousness.
Three of us had speaking assignment during the opening ceremony: I, as President of Lawasia, Mr. Kenji Yamagishi as Chair of the Conference Organising Committee, and Mr. Kazuhiro Nakamoto as President of Japan Federation of Bar Associations.
The Palace Officials demonstrated to us when our name is announced how we have to stand up, take five steps to a designated spot, and present our greeting and respect to their Imperial Highnesses by bowing in the traditional Japanese manner.
Each one of us was made to rehearse it. The timing of the speech was to be strictly adhered to. They asked me whether I had rehearsed my timing. I told them that I hadn’t rehearsed as I don’t speak from a written speech but assured them I would stick to my timing. They looked amused but remained as polite as ever.
Next, we were taken to the spot where we had to receive their Imperial Highnesses when they arrive, each one was again shown the exact spot to stand. Even media had an appointed place to stand and cover the arrival.
The Royal Handshake
There was a very high sense of anticipation, as I was told that Crown Princess Masako had not made any public appearance for a very long time due to some health issues and both media and people were keen to get a glimpse of her. We were again told how to bow and greet. As the only non-Japanese in receiving party I was told not to offer my hand for a handshake as it is considered impolite. Then we were told how to walk along side them to the hall.
The audience of about 1800 lawyer delegates and Chief Justices and Judges from the Asia Pacific Countries was also instructed to keep sitting when their Imperial Highnesses arrive and no one was allowed to click any pictures.
Only official media and Imperial Household photographers were allowed to use cameras and photographs were to be released after due screening by the Household agency.
Exactly at 9 am the Crown Prince and Crown Princess arrived and walked towards us. As I prepared to bow, first the Crown Prince and then the Crown Princess extended their hands to me for a handshake which I instinctively complied. These were the softest adult hands I would ever hold in my clasp, and that too with the knowledge that their Imperial Highnesses seldom offer their hands for a handshake.
Walking With the Royalty
We walked to the hall with them and took our appointed seats. The ceremony started. In my brief address of 5 minutes I chose to highlight that world over the nature of democracy is changing and the world is witnessing ascendency of leaders who manage to structure electoral majorities by restricted appeal to the passions and sentiments of their core constituency to the exclusion of others, thereby posing an unprecedented challenge to liberal democracy and the rule of law which are premised on inclusiveness and constitutional frameworks that protect minorities.
This had a topical ring due to the election of Trump, Modi and Abe, and the rise of nationalism in Europe and other parts of the world. Later, the Crown Prince, too, chose to highlight the importance of the Rule of Law and virtues of a liberal democracy.
There was a short break and the stage and seating were rearranged. Their Imperial Highnesses wished to stay back to listen to key note speech of a highly respected Japanese legal academic. Their special chairs were brought down and placed in the front row in the middle. Within five minutes these chairs were removed as we were told that the Crown Prince had conveyed they wanted to be seated in the ordinary seats as rest of the audience.
Chai Pe Charcha With Emperor Naruhito and His Wife
Then came the ultimate surprise. I was asked if I could spare ten minutes to have tea with the royal couple, as per their wish. I was too happy to accept this graciousness and was escorted immediately to meet them.
The Crown Prince told me that he liked my speech and was appreciative of my views including on what the Rule of Law communities have to do world over to guard the values of liberal democracy. The Crown Princess enquired where I had studied to which I replied, India. She also evinced interest in Lawasia activities relating to women and children right laws and sought to know if she could get involved at some stage.
When they returned to the hall for the keynote speech, I was seated next to them in the front row.
Crown Princess sat down very elegantly, neatly folded her scarf and placed it over her knees to cover them.
Empress Masako’s Giggles
At the end of the speech they rose and left the hall. After some time we were again made to stand in our designated spots to bid them good bye by bowing. Both of them again shook my hands. This was for the fourth time now so I was more self assured.
After sitting in the car the Crown Princess was smiling and started to wave her hands to say goodbye. I could not stop myself and waved back. She burst into giggles and kept on waving till the car chugged out of sight.
When I narrated that she was waving and giggling many of Japanese women lawyers broke into tears muttering, “Oh, she’s happy and well!” Others were telling me that they were looking at me throughout when I delivered my speech and it is a very rare honour that they called me for individual audience, especially when it was not part of a pre-decided schedule.
Even though Japanese Royals lead a very dignified and highly organised life, with very little in public gaze, but their aura, self restraint, grace, dignity and the respect and reverence they enjoy can mean immensely in a world where voices of sanity and moderation are becoming a rarity.
(Prashant Kumar is Immediate Past President of Lawasia, the Law Association of Asia and the Pacific and President Elect of the Bar Association of India. This is a Reader’s Blog. The views expressed above are the author’s own.The Quint neither endorses nor is responsible for the same.)
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