Japanese Court Must be Facing Royals

It was necessary to change “the auxiliary seats from a position facing forward, as is usual in closed cars, to a position facing the rear seat, as Japanese etiquette requires that the Royal Court attendants and retinue should at all times face Royalty, and never turn their backs upon a Prince of the Blood.” – According to one source, Prince Fushimi married Tokugawa Tsuneko in 1896. She was the daughter of Prince Tokugawa Yoshinobu, Japan’s last Shōgun. They had six children together.

Japanese Prince has Car of Luxury Made in the U.S.A.

Locomobile 38, of 7-Passenger Berline Type, Fitted Out in Opulence

“An order of international interest has been placed for a closed car of more than ordinary distinction and individuality for his Imperial Highness, Prince Fushimi of the Royal family of Japan,” says J. Murray Page, resident manager of the Locomobile company.

“Messrs. Mitsui & Co., being entrusted with this commission, gave it extreme consideration. The car finally selected and approved by the Japanese Ambassador at Washington was a Locomobile 38 seven passenger Berline.

“This car contained several distinctive features. Among these were the exclusive upholstering and appointments of the car, including lighting fixtures, designed and executed by the Tiffany studios. Also the curtains, silk cords, laces and carpets, which were woven and dyed especially to harmonize with the decorative scheme of this particular car. The carpet is a full inch in thickness.

“This Locomobile Berline is also distinctive in the minor details of its appointment, such as containing two umbrella holders, one on each side of the car. Water dripping from a wet umbrella is caught at the bottom of the receptacle and drained off outside. Silver coat hooks which fold flat to the wall of the car when not in use are also a serviceable detail.

“One of the interesting incidents connected with this commission was the necessity for changing the auxiliary seats from a position facing forward, as is usual in closed cars, to a position facing the rear seat, as Japanese etiquette requires that the Royal Court attendants and retinue should at all times face Royalty, and never turn their backs upon a Prince of the blood.” – Los Angeles Herald, 1915

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