Kennedy to Take 19th Century Ride

http://blogs.wsj.com/japanrealtime/2013/11/19/kennedy-to-take-19th-century-ride/

Newly appointed U.S. ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy will take a 19th century ride to the Imperial Palace on Tuesday to attend a ceremony granting her diplomatic status.

Ms. Kennedy will follow an age-old Japanese tradition by traveling to the palace on a horse-drawn carriage to deliver an official letter of credence from President Barack Obama to Japan’s Emperor Akihito.

The ceremony dates back to soon after the start of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Japan in 1854, when Japan signed the Treaty of Kanagawa. The treaty marked the official opening up of the nation after two centuries of isolation.

The horse-led carriage that will carry Ms. Kennedy to the Imperial Palace is believed to have been built in late 19th century and is reserved for carrying ambassadors. The exterior is embedded with the gold Imperial chrysanthemum crests while the interior is decorated with beige twill fabric with flower patterns embroidered in silk.