William Reveals What Job He Wanted As A Boy

The Duke of Cambridge has revealed that as a little boy he dreamed of becoming a policeman, an astronaut or a firebreather.

The Prince made the revelation on the second day of his trip to Japan, after meeting the Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi, at an event to promote UK innovation.

Andy Palmer, Aston Martin's chief executive, who was compere at the event, asked if the Duke, as a helicopter pilot, had ever considered going into space.

William replied: "When I was younger, I dreamed of being an astronaut.

"But no offence, I also thought I was going to be a policeman one day - that was as a very small boy.

"I've always wanted to say I'd be something like a fire-breather, but that's far too alternative."

The three men put on red "Happi" gowns for a traditional sake barrel-breaking ritual to mark the start of the year-long "Innovation is Great campaign".

The campaign is aimed at generating partnerships between the UK and Japan.

The Duke also gave his first speech of this Far East tour, highlighting how Japan and Britain have influenced each other over the centuries.

But he also added that he was sad his wife Kate and son George could not be with him.

To start the day Prince William had paid a poignant visit to the Yokohama Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery to a lay a wreath.

More than 1,500 soldiers, sailors and airmen, from India to Australia, Great Britain to New Zealand are buried there.

Many of them were prisoners of war during the Second World War.

The gravestones lie flat on the ground because of the risk of earthquakes.

The wreath was left with a handwritten note from William saying: "May we never forget all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom."

The Duke was also seen looking at a photograph of his mother Princess Diana laying a wreath at the same cemetery in 1995.

He signed a visitors' book, which had been put next to the framed picture, and spent a few moments looking at a small book of photos that had been compiled of her visit.

Lunchtime was spent with members of Japan's imperial family.

He bowed his head as he met Emperor Akihito and his wife Empress Michiko at the imperial residence.

He also spent time with Crown Prince Naruhito at his palace, as well as meeting the Crown Princess Masako, who is rarely seen in public.

On Saturday he will spend the morning in Tokyo before heading to Northern Japan to meet some of those affected by the earthquake and tsunami in 2011.