Here is Part 1 of 4 just in case you would like to review it first.
Memorable quotes and my random notes – I of III
All of the notable quotes are identified with quotation marks. My subsequent comments are preceded by bullet points.
A quote in the preface by Seiichi Nakata: “It is amazing to think that all of the direct descendant, grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren of the Japanese leader of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the man whose actions ignited the war with the United States, are Americans.”
- After the war, with everything he had experienced both in Japan and in the United States, Fuchida clearly saw the U.S. as the country in which his two children would have a much better life, unencumbered by traditions and deep-rooted prejudices.
- I was convinced likewise during my first 23 years of life in post-WWII Japan. Since my only brother (who lives in Japan) chose not to have a family of his own, all of my parents’ direct descendants, except for my brother, are Americans as well. I am not only proud of this fact but happy for them to have been (and will be) born in America. I know that I was responsible for putting them in the best environment into which any human being could expect to be born. Regardless of whether or not they recognize the value of it in their daily lives, they were given the freedom, the most precious commodity for human life, to be whatever they choose to be. Now it is up to each of them to find his/her passion and happiness. In human communities, anywhere in the world, freedom is never free unless there is a concerted effort to make freedom a top priority – as we do here in the United States. In fact, much sacrifice has been made by American forefathers and military personnel (of all racial backgrounds) to make our freedom possible. It behooves each of us to never take freedom for granted.
Another quote in the preface by Seiichi Nakata: “It was Fuchida’s true intention to imply in his title a warning about World War III.”
- Given his background, I believe that Fuchida’s warning was for those whose belief system – which justifies violence – is under the control of their national and/or organizational leaders, requiring them to blindly follow orders and, as a consequence, how they are likely to find themselves creating misery for all of humanity. He speaks based on his own experience as the commander who led the attack on Pearl Harbor without questioning his assignment.
A Quote by Fuchida: “The essence of military power is to prevent war.”
- I agree wholeheartedly. Strong military is a necessary evil.
- Starting with a relationship between two individuals within a home and all the way up to those among nations, the moment one allows oneself to be subjugated to another (be it financially, emotionally, militarily, or otherwise), the balance of power becomes at the mercy of the physically and/or militarily strong – especially when evil is lurking in the background to jump on an opportunity to take the dominant role.
- In fact, colonization of other Asian countries by the West, which started in the 1500s, alarmed Japan’s then leaders so much so to the point of eventually closing its doors to foreigners in 1635. The country remained closed for well over 200 years until 1853 when America demanded that Japan open its doors for trade. Japan was suspicious of America’s true intentions, however. In my humble opinion, this historical fact of the West’s aggression was one of the major factors that made Japan’s military leaders, some 88 years later, justify the Pearl Harbor attack.
- Interestingly enough, Japan’s sentiment against colonization is reflected by America as well in its relationship with England. Patrick Henry eloquently stated as America was declaring independence from King George of Great Britain: “Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” While Japan’s case is on a national scale and not on an individual basis, this exact sentiment was at the heart of why Japan closed its doors to the outsiders. At the core, what people want (regardless of race, national origin, or anything else) is freedom and independence from other human beings.
- As a country with a history longer than since the time of Christ, Japan understands human nature, both good and evil, quite well. Most Japanese believe in existing in harmony with the rest of the world. By the same token, Japan values its sovereignty and, for the most part, remains skeptical of foreigners and their true intentions. Such sentiment is reflected in its laws to this day. This explains Japan’s strict immigration laws, for instance.
- Having seen its own country’s pure-evil acts during WWII, Japan’s constitution forbids creation of military power – except for its self-defense force (SDF). In other words, no aggression against others is allowed; only in self-defense can it use force. In a world where another pure evil is dominating the news, I hope that – between the strict immigration laws and the SDF – Japan can crush the evil-doers if and when necessary. For Japan, or for any country for that matter, strong SDF is an absolute necessity. Without it, cancer of evil will feel free to dominate the world with whatever brutal and barbaric means it sees fit to use. The history of mankind is filled with such examples, starting with domestic violence, pedophile priests, Spanish Inquisition, slavery (human trafficking, which still exists today), Hitler, colonization, and Muslim extremists whose violent history goes back 1400 years, just to name a few.
