JAPAN: DEATH OF PRINCESS DIANA ROCKS NATION

(1 Sep 1997) Natural Sound

Japan was in a state of shock on Monday over the death of Britain's Princess Diana in a car crash in Paris.

Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto criticised the media craze that surrounded the life of Princess Diana while Emperor Akihito sent a message of condolences to Queen Elizabeth II.

Meanwhile ordinary Japanese have been paying tribute to the Princess at the British Embassy in central Tokyo.

Chauffeur driven limousines filed through the front gates of the British embassy in Tokyo Monday, Ambassadors paying their respects to Princess Diana, killed in a car crash in Paris Sunday.

The Union Jack was lowered to half mast and will stay that way until the end of the official mourning period, after the funeral.

At the foot of gates to the embassy, well wishers laid flowers as a final goodbye to the Princess.

Diana was hugely popular with the Japanese people, having visited on three occasions in recent years.

British ambassador Sir David Wright was on hand to greet Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto who went to pay his respects.

Inside the garden room of the Ambassador's residence, a simple black and white photograph of Diana in front of a book for those to sign.

The Prime Minister appeared visibly moved by news of Diana's death.

Hashimoto has met the Princess on official occasions here in Japan and in Europe.

Hashimoto had earlier criticised the media craze surrounding the life of Princess Diana and he expressed concern for Princess Diana's two sons -- Prince William, 15, and Prince Harry, 12.

Echoing the feeling of people in other countries many Japanese say the Princess would still be alive today had it not been for the pursuing paparazzi photographers.

Unlike in Europe, the private lives of Royalty in Japan are deeply respected, cameras only allowed to film official occasions, like here two years ago when Diana charmed the Japanese imperial couple.

The Imperial Household agency is considering whether members of the Japanese imperial family will attend the funeral for Princess Diana.

The Japanese imperial family has long maintained close relations with Britain's royal family.

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