Soga Japan Center director meets Japan’s Imperial couple

In 1992, Dr. Stephen Covell, Mary Meader Professor of Comparative Religion in Western Michigan University's Department of Comparative Religion, met Emperor Akihito and his wife July 15 at a banquet honoring past recipients of the Crown Prince Akihito Scholarship.

Covell was among a group of 50 past and present recipients who had the honor of meeting with the Imperial couple in person following a banquet for 1500 on July 15.  The CPAS foundation held its 50-year anniversary in Honolulu and Dr. Covell was invited to present a paper on his work since receiving the scholarship. 

The highlight of the conference was a private meeting with their majesties during which the royal couple spent 45 minutes mingling with those present and talking with them about their achievements.