Current location:Stellar Sphere news portal > opinions
VOX POPULI: Kishida’s gift of cherry seedlings to the U.S. raises uneasy feeling
Stellar Sphere news portal2024-05-21 14:03:35【opinions】7People have gathered around
IntroductionIn 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.
Address of this article:http://capeverde.adventistmissionjapan.org/news-33d599964.html
Very good!(6666)
Related articles
- The government wants to buy their flood
- How US changes to 'noncompete' agreements and overtime pay could affect workers
- Cristian Măcelaru to become music director of Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra in 2025
- The body types that raise the risk of colon cancer
- Kevin Pillar gets 1,000th career hit in Angels' win at Texas
- Doctors combine a pig kidney transplant and a heart device in a bid to extend woman's life
- Veteran DEA agent sentenced to 4 years for leaking intelligence in Miami bribery conspiracy
- Attempt to expedite ethics probe of Minnesota state senator charged with burglary fails on tie vote
- Saudi Arabia is going to sponsor the WTA women's tennis rankings under a new partnership
- Biden administration is announcing plans for up to 12 lease sales for offshore wind energy
Popular articles
Recommended
Ricky Stenhouse punching Kyle Busch could lead to suspension
Arizona lands Oakland star forward Trey Townsend out of transfer portal
The summer after Barbenheimer and the strikes, Hollywood charts a new course
Yokohama reaches Asian Champions League final by beating Ulsan in penalty shootout 5
Brazil replaces injured goalkeeper Ederson in Copa America squad
Air Rwanda: Which airline will deport migrants on a one
Teenage girl lured her ex
A great escape! Family poodle gets trapped underneath kitchen
Links
- Scientific Team Contributes to Large Research Infrastructures for Country
- Let 'Young Flowers' Blossom in Village
- 10 Outstanding Women Honored as National March 8th Red
- Yang Langlang: School Principal Secures Wonderful Childhood for Every Student
- Hoping for a World Without Illness
- Uygur Woman Shows Charm of Xinjiang Through Fabulous Dance
- Zhang Lan: Helping Miao Women Use Fingertips to Achieve Prosperity
- Headmistress Committed to Primary School Education for Decades
- Pic Story: National Intangible Inheritor of Chagaanyidee in Inner Mongolia
- A Star in Her Own Right — Ye Shuhua Dedicates Life to Development of Nation, Astronomy