Current location:Global Gesture news portal > style
VOX POPULI: Kishida’s gift of cherry seedlings to the U.S. raises uneasy feeling
Global Gesture news portal2024-05-18 00:15:32【style】5People 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://iceland.priasejati.net/content-54b399941.html
Very good!(563)
Related articles
- Ludvig Aberg aims to build on his Masters runner
- Chinese Dream Inspires Nation on Journey Ahead
- Across China: Education Paves Broader Way for Students in Former China Revolutionary Base
- Tibet's Rural Residents Enjoy Improved Livelihood over Past Decade
- Mets beat Phillies 6
- China to End Use of Digital Travel Code Starting Tuesday
- China's Ice
- China to End Use of Digital Travel Code Starting Tuesday
- Ethiopia protests US ambassador's speech after he calls for release of political prisoners
- China Downs Japan for 3rd Straight Victory at Women's Volleyball Worlds
Popular articles
Recommended
Ludvig Aberg aims to build on his Masters runner
New Areas for Growth to Keep Employment Stable
China Downs Japan for 3rd Straight Victory at Women's Volleyball Worlds
5th CIIE Attracts 145 Countries, Regions, Int'l Organizations
Haiti's crisis rises to the forefront of elections in neighboring Dominican Republic
Farmers Busy with Agricultural Activities on Cold Dew Across China
China to Resume Passport, Visa Issuance from Jan. 8, 2023
2022 China (Hainan) Int'l Tropical Agricultural Products Winter Trade Fair Kicks Off
Links
- China urges universities to add majors that meet social needs
- One Tech Tip: How to repair an electric toothbrush
- Heze peony forum cultivates participants' understanding of China's national flower
- Descendants of Doolittle Raiders visit Quzhou, celebrate China
- China holds cultural and tourism event in L.A. following resumption of group tours
- Coach sees challenges for women's basketball team at Paris 2024
- Real Madrid thrash Celta to cement top spot
- China further expands outbound group tours
- China's aircraft carrier Fujian sets out for maiden sea trials
- A fiery crash involving tanker carrying gas closes I