The players, officials and staff at the Japan Olympic Qualifier were given the opportunity to meet Japanese royalty at a special reception on Monday evening.  The event – which took place at the Gifu Grand Hotel – was attended by Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamadonomiya Hisako, along with a full quota of teams and officials.

“It is very exciting to have such an important tournament taking place in Japan”, said the Princess, who is the Patron of the Japan Hockey Association.

The Princess expressed her love for the sport, telling the audience that she played the game as a schoolgirl whilst studying in the United Kingdom.

“I hope that this event will lead to more people in Japan understanding the wonderful sport that is hockey.”

The Princess was given a gift from the Tournament Director and FIH Representative Wiert Doyer, who also described the hockey facilities at the Kakamigahara stadium as some of the best that he has ever seen. Before she left the function, the Princess posed for photographs with the teams of Poland, Italy and Japan, who were clearly delighted to have such an opportunity.

The Princess also made an appearance at the stadium itself on Tuesday, watching the match between Japan and Italy.