26 JUNE 1993, Page 30

The Emperor's guest

Sir: I entirely disagree with Ian Buruma's article (`The rule of racial purity', 29 May). Japan is far more interesting for being Japanese.

Ian Buruma can choose not to visit or live in Japan if he dislikes their way of life.

I write as an unexpected guest of the Emperor from 1942-45 with far more seri- ous cause for complaint than Ian Buruma.

Athelstan Whaley

Tredinnock, Charmouth, Dorset