In March 1921, 51 years after the famous banquet at Alfred house, Sir Wilfred de Soysa was privileged to host Prince Hirohito of Japan. The young Prince stopped over in Ceylon for a few days on his way to Europe. He planted a tree, which can still be seen at the Olaboduwa estate. In appreciation, the prince who was later to be known as Emperor Shōwa (1926–1989) sent Sir Wilfred & family an ivory carving of a coconut flower he had been fascinated with. The item was later gifted to the Gangaramaya Temple and is on public display.