Last month, I wrote about a historical event that was about to take place in Japan. Going way back in time, Emperor Jinmu (sometimes spelled as Jimmu) (神武天皇) is said to be the first emperor of Japan. Using the Gregorian calendar (which is used by most countries today), his accession took place in 660 BC; that is, 660 years Before Christ. I wish I could travel in time to witness events surrounding these and other major historical figures around the world including, my heroes, the Founding Fathers of the United States of America.
None of us knows any of these people in person. Yet, here we are. For a fleeting moment, we all exist – at the same time, alive – together. For better or for worse, the world in which we live has been impacted by those who came before us. As I have written elsewhere, all of us – human beings – exist in the context of history. Some of us recognize this, while others remain completely oblivious to it.
As of May 1, 2019, Japan welcomed the ascension to the throne of the 126th hereditary Emperor. Each emperor’s era is given its own name. The latest era, with Emperor Naruhito as the new Symbol of Japan, is called Reiwa (令和).
Emperor Naruhito’s father is the Emperor Emeritus Akihito. In December 2018 (when his abdication was yet to take effect at the end of April 2019), Emperor Akihito delivered his final message to the nation. His speech made me realize that, in any society, each human being lives with certain burdens – as well as benefits – of history that are not of one’s making. For instance, the Emperor Emeritus Akihito was only 11 years old when World War II ended. It is obvious, therefore, that he had nothing to do with Japan’s aggression during the war. His only sin was that he was the son of Emperor Hirohito. Yet, as the hereditary emperor, he apologized to those who suffered as a result of the war. Always composed, I had never seen him get choked up in public until now. I felt that he was speaking to me, as well as to millions of others. His sincerity was undeniable and I accepted his apology, which was made on behalf of his father, Emperor Showa (aka Emperor Hirohito).
The imperial family represents a “constant,” a stabilizing force, in the Japanese society. Part of me misses Japan, of course. Yet I have no regret for the decision I had made to leave the country.
For someone like me, a female who values freedom from others’ control, remaining in Japan, and using its language to communicate in everyday life, meant perpetuating subjugation to the male-dominant society. Growing up, I knew I would eventually reject “what was” in the Japanese society and become a part of “what life can be” in the U.S.A. For immigrants like us, who chose to escape from a certain cultural, social, and/or economic environment in the countries of our respective origins, America remains a great land of opportunity.
In contrast to Japan, the U.S.A. is a much younger country. Yet, the American culture is based, in large part, on the Judeo-Christian philosophy which goes back around 4,000 years. In other words, the American culture is based on a philosophy that is much older than the oldest monarchy in the world. It is based on a highly refined version of the centuries-old religious philosophy. America represents the greatest social experiment for the masses in the Western world. The Founding Fathers did not invent a nation out of thin air. Rather, they incorporated the lessons learned throughout the long history of mankind and, most importantly, what they abhorred the most; i.e., one group of people controlling another. Based on their religious beliefs, they fought to create an independent country to secure individual freedoms for themselves as well as for the future generations of all Americans. What I find ironic is that today’s American youths – many of whom appear to be intent on destroying everything that this country has stood for since its founding – have the freedom to express themselves thanks, precisely, to the actions taken by our Founding Fathers.
My life in the United States of America would not have happened:
- If, in 1776, the Declaration of Independence did not happen.
- This is the event at which the Founding Fathers gave birth to the greatest country on earth.
- If, in 1853, the four Black Ships from America did not come knocking to pressure Japan to open its doors for trade.
- This is the event that started the relationship between the two countries.
- If, in 1945, Japan did not surrender unconditionally to the Allied Forces.
- This is the event that helped save Japanese people from potential extinction.
- Even after the two atomic bombs, some Japanese military top brass were still advocating “to continue to fight to the death.”
- If, post 1945, the U.S.A. was not in Japan to help rebuild the country.
- The American leaders believed that economically stable nations contribute to world peace.
- If, in 1965, the U.S.A. did not start sending its troops to Vietnam.
- It was to fend off communism from spreading in the region beyond Russia, China, North Korea, and North Vietnam.
- If, in 1966, the U.S. military did not establish the 610th Military Airlift Support Squadron (610 MASS) in Yokota, Japan, to help support its troops in Vietnam.
Obviously, I had nothing to do with any of these historical events. Yet, my coming to existence had everything to do with how the history was being played out in Japan vis-à-vis its relationship with the U.S.A. Every single event, noted above, led me to eventually meet my then future husband from the U.S.A. This is how I know that I live my life in the context of history.
My heritage gives me solid roots as to who I am and how I came to exist. I am deeply grateful that, upon reaching adulthood, I have been able to chart my own life’s journey. My life of freedom would not have been possible had it not been for the Founding Fathers of the U.S.A. Is it any wonder that I simply cherish being an American?
