Current location:Culture Circuit news portal > opinions
VOX POPULI: Kishida’s gift of cherry seedlings to the U.S. raises uneasy feeling
Culture Circuit news portal2024-05-08 11:37:54【opinions】2People 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://comoros.whetstonetavern.com/article-9a199981.html
Very good!(175)
Related articles
- Brazil's soccer federation suspends matches because of flooding
- FEC fines ex
- Uzbekistan knocks out titleholder Saudi Arabia in Under
- Mississippi lawmakers consider new school funding formula
- Kylie Jenner wears bullet
- Closing prices for crude oil, gold and other commodities
- South Dakota governor, a potential Trump running mate, writes in new book about killing her dog
- China's top anti
- Scientists discover remains of a 'buried planet' deep inside EARTH
- Moderate Republicans look to stave off challenges from the right at Utah party convention
Popular articles
Recommended
Rachel Reeves hints Labour's 'anti
Queen Maxima of the Netherlands dons sophisticated blue suit to meet the Nigeran President
Queen Maxima of the Netherlands dons sophisticated blue suit to meet the Nigeran President
Giannis Antetokounmpo ruled out, Khris Middleton to start for Bucks against Pacers in Game 3
Star guard Kadary Richmond transfers to St. John's from Big East rival Seton Hall
Vibrant Q1 consumption mirrors China's economic stamina
Mississippi police were at odds as they searched for missing man, widow says
Schneider Electric says Chinese market remains important
Links
- Party Members Warm People's Hearts with Voluntary Services
- Chinese Martial Arts Gain Popularity Overseas
- Making Communities More Beautiful
- Singing About a World with 'Beauty and Togetherness'
- Tai Chi Embodies Wisdom of Traditional Chinese Culture
- Scientific Team Contributes to Large Research Infrastructures for Country
- Entrepreneur Serves Motherland, Promotes Hometown's Development
- Federation's Role in Advancing Children's All
- Decades of Safeguarding Mountains, Forests
- Women's Social Organizations Provide Caring Services to Children