Your current location:HOME >entertainment >VOX POPULI: Kishida’s gift of cherry seedlings to the U.S. raises uneasy feeling 正文
TIME:2024-05-01 12:41:05 Source: Internet compilationEdit:entertainment
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.
Italy's League party picks a provocative candidate for European Parliament election2024-05-01 12:26
Pakistan women's great Bismah Maroof retires from international cricket2024-05-01 12:07
Russia fines actress who hosted 'almost naked' party over her calls for peace2024-05-01 12:04
The Latest: Trump takes to social media before Supreme Court arguments2024-05-01 11:58
Former MVP Mike Trout needs surgery on torn meniscus2024-05-01 11:32
As Zendaya's tennis2024-05-01 11:11
The Latest: Trump takes to social media before Supreme Court arguments2024-05-01 11:03
NFL to open academy in Australia to identify and develop young prospects2024-05-01 10:41
2 die when small plane crashes in wooded area of northern Indiana2024-05-01 10:26
Seattle Kraken move games to over2024-05-01 10:17
Analysis: McIlroy had a blast in New Orleans. It was just what he needed2024-05-01 12:33
Travis Kelce makes shock flat earth claim, saying '102024-05-01 12:01
The Latest: Trump takes to social media before Supreme Court arguments2024-05-01 11:59
Not every WNBA draft pick will make her team's roster. Here's why2024-05-01 11:42
Terms for Mike Tyson's fight with Jake Paul include heavier gloves, shorter rounds2024-05-01 11:27
China to improve museum docent services2024-05-01 11:17
Atletico Madrid battles Athletic Bilbao for 4th place in Spain and last Champions League berth2024-05-01 11:12
Noah Cyrus flashes her bottom in extremely low2024-05-01 11:05
Chilling moment masked thug calmly prepares himself before stabbing a stranger with a 102024-05-01 11:05
Flooding in Tanzania has killed 155 people as heavy rains continue in Eastern Africa2024-05-01 10:39