A special service was conducted at Westminster Abbey in London to mark the four-century relationship between the UK and Japan, according to a press release issued on 3 December.
Held on 2 December 2014—400 years to the day after The Clove returned to Plymouth from its voyage to Japan—the commemoration featured hymns, prayers and haiku (poems) on the themes of sea-faring, cooperation and understanding.
Attendees included HRH Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO GCStJ, Keiichi Hayashi, ambassador of Japan, and Sir David Warren KCMG, chairman of The Japan Society in London.