Your current location:HOME >health >VOX POPULI: Kishida’s gift of cherry seedlings to the U.S. raises uneasy feeling 正文
TIME:2024-05-01 14:36:15 Source: Internet compilationEdit:health
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.
Audit finds Wisconsin Capitol Police emergency response times up, calls for better tracking2024-05-01 14:31
I'm an end of care doctor who's studied 1,000 people on their death beds2024-05-01 13:49
College students, inmates and a nun: A unique book club meets at one of the nation’s largest jails2024-05-01 13:33
Revealed: Parliamentary aide, 29, and an ex2024-05-01 13:14
Apple launches new Beats headphones with 502024-05-01 13:08
Luxury £1m homes are destroying our coastline2024-05-01 13:06
Sanders orders US and Arkansas flags flown at half2024-05-01 12:37
Child murderer who abducted and killed schoolboy 50 years ago dies in prison of old age2024-05-01 12:22
Rhod Gilbert shares cancer update as he admits he's 'pinching himself' over performing stand2024-05-01 11:57
US health officials warn of counterfeit Botox injections2024-05-01 11:53
Select list of nominees for 2024 Tony Awards2024-05-01 14:34
DAILY MAIL COMMENT: At last, Rishi takes the fight to Labour2024-05-01 13:53
Why vagina makeovers are booming: The five treatments you NEED to know about if you're over 402024-05-01 13:39
China unveils data of technically recoverable oil and gas resources2024-05-01 13:30
Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews out for potential elimination matchup with Bruins2024-05-01 13:10
Defensemen injuries are already piling up early in the NHL playoffs2024-05-01 12:58
Russia voices dissatisfaction over Security Council inaction on Nord Stream sabotage2024-05-01 12:38
Kenya to invest 1.9 mln USD to boost EV adoption in 3 years2024-05-01 12:30
5 takeaways from the global negotiations on a treaty to end plastic pollution2024-05-01 12:16
Biden adminstration finalizes rule to grant overtime for millions more salaried workers2024-05-01 12:11