Current location:world >>
VOX POPULI: Kishida’s gift of cherry seedlings to the U.S. raises uneasy feeling
world8769People 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.
Tags:
Reprint:Friends are welcome to share on the Internet, but please indicate the source of the article when reprinting it.“Stellar Stories news portal”。http://mauritania.downmusic.org/content-5e599989.html
Related articles
Yu Darvish pitches 5 scoreless innings as the Padres beat the Cubs 6
worldCHICAGO (AP) — Yu Darvish pitched five scoreless innings, Luis Campusano drove in three runs and the ...
【world】
Read moreTwo Sessions Explainer: Highlights of 2024 Chinese government work report
worldBy Sheng Chuyi, Peng Yukai (People's Daily Online) 18:43, March 05, 2024All eyes are on the governme ...
【world】
Read moreSenior CPC official stresses addressing people's immediate concerns
world(Xinhua) 14:25, October 23, 2023Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau o ...
【world】
Read more
Popular articles
- Teyana Taylor strips down during VERY raunchy burlesque show at NY's Paradise Club in front of star
- Bayern ends 2
- Xi visits people in Tianjin ahead of Spring Festival
- Will Biden be on the ballot in Ohio and Alabama? That's up to Republicans
- Fraternity removes member for ‘racist actions’ at Ole Miss
- Disputed penalty gives Man U draw at Bournemouth as CL qualification slips further away
Latest articles
Pamela Anderson goes make
Chinese premier stresses development of water conservancy, high
China's top legislature to review draft amendment to Criminal Law targeting bribers
China's top legislature concludes standing committee session
Happy birthday Archie! As the young royal turns five today
Shohei Ohtani hits record
LINKS
- Prince Harry looks relaxed as he makes another cameo in posh world of polo
- The Civil War raged and fortune
- Verstappen eases to win in 2024 F1 season opener
- Pic story of cultural relics guardian at Faxing Temple in N China
- SW China's Guizhou awash in fragrant spring blossoms
- Haliburton guides Pacers past Raptors 140
- Godzilla teams up with Kong for new colossal fight
- A strong quarter for Wall Street lifts Goldman's first
- Eagles lock in WR DeVonta Smith with 3
- Sparking youthful passion for the stage