Your current location:HOME >style >VOX POPULI: Kishida’s gift of cherry seedlings to the U.S. raises uneasy feeling 正文
TIME:2024-05-07 13:49:45 Source: Internet compilationEdit:style
In 1912, the final year of the Meiji Era that began in 1868, it is said that vehement opposition was
In 1912, the final year of the Meiji Era that began in 1868, it is said that vehement opposition was raised when statesman Yukio “Gakudo” Ozaki (1858-1954) gifted the United States 3,000 ornamental cherry seedlings that had been grafted from cherry trees on the banks of the Arakawa river in Tokyo.
Ozaki’s deed was condemned as “an inexcusable outrage” because the sakura was “the national flower that must never be taken out of the country.”
Ozaki was only trying to show his gratitude to Washington for its labors during the post-Russo-Japanese War peace negotiations.
But many Japanese hadn’t been apprised of this background and “few felt indebted to the Americans,” according to Ozaki’s daughter, Yukika Soma (1912-2008).
In return, Washington sent a gift of dogwood trees to Japan. But they were taken down during World War II.
Those days are long past, and a Japan-U.S. summit took place on April 10 in the U.S. capital.
Among the gifts brought by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida were 250 cherry seedlings, and I am sure nobody minds that today.
But seeing him grinning with delight, I cannot help feeling uneasy.
Japan’s national security is becoming increasingly integrated with that of the United States.
But the prime minister just would not explain to the public how dangerous that is, or what disadvantages Japan must expect from the bolstered alliance with the United States.
I think Japanese diplomacy has become quite unstable, like a baseball player with a “flamingo batting style.”
While the United States, Australia and European nations are proceeding with summit diplomacy with China, Japan keeps muddling along.
So long as Tokyo’s understanding of diplomacy is just making sure not to upset Washington, the nation remains at great risk.
The Arakawa riverbank today is graced by goshikizakura (five-color cherry trees) that came home from the United States after World War II. When I went to see them on April 11, the blossoms of the ukonzakura variety were starting to fall.
The pale green petals danced in the air and the young leaves fluttered in the spring breeze.
--The Asahi Shimbun, April 12
* *
*Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.
After AP's missing students investigation, children return to school2024-05-07 13:40
Brooke Burke, 52, poses with her mini2024-05-07 13:30
Khloe Kardashian's daughter True Thompson is 6! The child gets heart2024-05-07 12:55
EMMA COWING: A precious glimpse into the Queen's happy home2024-05-07 12:49
Defending national champion LSU boosts its postseason hopes with series win against Texas A&M2024-05-07 12:34
Best quotes from Harry and Meghan's shocking Oprah interview2024-05-07 12:14
Lionel Richie reveals being selected as performer at King Charles Coronation Concert was 'surprise'2024-05-07 11:57
Prince Harry and William 'have no plans for a reunion during visits for King Charles' coronation'2024-05-07 11:30
US and Philippine forces stage combat drills near strategic channel off southern Taiwan2024-05-07 11:10
Facebook and Instagram down in apparent global outages2024-05-07 11:06
Two suspects arrested in fatal shooting on Delaware college campus are not students, police say2024-05-07 13:42
Bernie Sanders wants to spend $10BILLION on long Covid 'moonshot' operation2024-05-07 13:32
Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan seeking to have one another testify at upcoming divorce hearing2024-05-07 13:24
Lucy Hale reveals what her current equation is with her Pretty Little Lies co2024-05-07 13:19
Here's where Biden and Trump stand on 10 key issues2024-05-07 13:18
Shirley MacLaine, 89, lives it up sipping on a martini with her pals during Malibu lunch date2024-05-07 12:31
China eyes US2024-05-07 12:13
Netflix fans are left STUNNED by the streaming site's 'most UNHINGED' show yet2024-05-07 11:56
Can I get my private pension at 55 due to this bizarre birth year quirk? STEVE WEBB replies2024-05-07 11:36
Lionel Richie reveals being selected as performer at King Charles Coronation Concert was 'surprise'2024-05-07 11:16