FRANCE 98 – Japan: Prince and Princess Takamado visit Toulouse
Prince and Princess Takamado of JAPAN visited the TOULOUSE venue on Monday 15th June as part of the preparations for the XVIIth World Cup which will take place in JAPAN in 2002. His Imperial Highness Prince Takamado is the honorary president of the Organising Committee. The princely couple arrived at the venue at 2pm accompanied by a delegation composed mostly of members of the Japanese Football Association (JFA): Mr Nagamima, the president, Mr Okano, the vice president and Mr Ogura, the general secretary. The Japanese delegation was welcomed by Alain Dubout, director of the TOULOUSE venue, from the hospitality boxes to the changing rooms, His Imperial Highness now knows everything there is to know about the Stadium and was even able to grace the pitch. He took advantage of the occasion to kick a ball around and show his skills as a juggler much to the amusement of his wife. Emperor Hirohito’s cousin even acted as a guide for Japanese supporters looking for TOULOUSE FC shirts. Having gleaned the information from his hosts, he gave them directions to find the local club shop.
All smiles and very relaxed, the members of the delegation filmed and photographed the Stadium as well as all the technical and sporting equipment at the TOULOUSE venue. Principally concerned with security, they asked a number of questions about the video surveillance and security pass systems. The visit ended at the press centre where the royal couple surfed for a few minutes on the France 98 Intranet site. But just like any other football fan, the Prince stopped in front of a television to watch the last 10 minutes of match number 16, ENGLAND vs TUNISIA (Group G).
During this visit Their Imperial Highnesses were escorted by numerous press photographers. They even had their photo taken using digital technology. Delighted and smiling, Prince and Princess Takamado left the venue after the traditional exchange of gifts.